Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding in-depth articles stands out. These pieces probe complex themes from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
An author rose to fame in the nineties with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. It raises a pertinent question: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only way out of incarceration was to join the government forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. However, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film following a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging hours, individuals rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the highest echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become wary.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly rich country has become a major force on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this ambitious project?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the exact truth of the procedures is still partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his life might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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