As we consider the past year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth pieces stands out. These pieces delve into multifaceted themes ranging from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This prompts a key query: Has the author become an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. However, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent heated argument has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking scale of exploitation it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many followers anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is she really a new person, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable medical end – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas shape the highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key force on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise truth of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation might turn around. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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