While we consider the previous year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth articles emerges. These accounts explore complex themes from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on power. Whereas many of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. This poses a pressing query: Has the author become an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could still cost him his life.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of abuse it had carried out.
A Leader's Curious Record on International Law
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to international law. But, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is she truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get uneasy.
A Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a major force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life might change for the better. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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