As we reflect on the past year, a assortment of exceptional in-depth articles shines. These accounts probe intricate topics from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing critiques on power. Whereas many of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still move millions of books. This prompts a key query: Has the author become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole path out of prison was to join the government forces. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our human race. However, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of exploitation it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she really a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the highest echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become uneasy.
The Small State That Became the World's Mediation Center
An incredibly rich country has become a key player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of what happened remains somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the prospect that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation might improve. I was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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