Upon consider the previous year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth pieces shines. Such accounts delve into complex topics including political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. This raises a key question: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may now get him killed.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the story of our species. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting bitter argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking scale of mistreatment it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she truly changed, and what are the director's true motives?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, people turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment end – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get wary.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of what happened is still somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered huge amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might possess the key to who wins the global AI race.
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