As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional in-depth articles shines. Such pieces probe intricate topics from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on power. While several of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It poses a pertinent question: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only way out of incarceration was to join the regime military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could still get him killed.
A Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the history of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The subsequent bitter argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of abuse it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many followers expected that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's true intentions?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical remedy – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the very highest echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get suspicious.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a significant player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his life might turn around. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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