As we look back on the past year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth articles stands out. These accounts probe multifaceted topics including political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It poses a pressing query: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. However, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing heated argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get wary.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key force on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away huge sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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