While we look back on the past year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth stories stands out. These pieces delve into multifaceted topics ranging from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might still cost him his life.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the director's true intentions?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an effective medical solution – until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the uppermost levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich country has risen as a major player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of what happened is still partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation could turn around. That hope was tragically mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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