As we look back on the past year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth pieces shines. These accounts explore multifaceted themes from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on power. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, families rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a major player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the full truth of the events remains somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation could turn around. I was tragically wrong.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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