As we look back on the past year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth articles shines. These accounts explore multifaceted topics from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
The Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. While many of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It raises a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of prison was to join the government forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting bitter controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many voters expected that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film following a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is this person really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest times, families turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable medical end – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a major force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the precise truth of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation could change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the answers to who wins the global AI race.
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