Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of remarkable in-depth articles emerges. Such pieces delve into complex themes ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on autocratic rule. Although several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. It raises a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might still cost him his life.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of mistreatment it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is this person truly changed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, people depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical solution – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his life could turn around. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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