Upon reflect on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth articles shines. Such pieces delve into intricate topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only path out of prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our species. However, a faction was convinced. The ensuing bitter controversy has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is she really changed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, people rely on him to bring back order.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical end – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the highest levels of government.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of the procedures remains partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life might turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A International AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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