While we reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces emerges. These narratives explore complex subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with biting critiques on power. While several of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell millions of books. This raises a pressing query: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole route to escape prison was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many voters expected that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film following a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is this person truly changed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an consistent medical end – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the uppermost levels of government.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a key player on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of the procedures is still partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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