Upon look back on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional in-depth articles emerges. These accounts delve into multifaceted themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still move millions of books. It poses a pressing query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may now cost him his life.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing scale of exploitation it had committed.
A Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the director's own methods?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective medical solution – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest levels of government.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of the events remains somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life could change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the key to which nation wins the global AI race.
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