As we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth articles stands out. Such accounts delve into intricate themes including political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. It poses a key query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole path to escape prison was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is she truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, people rely on him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical remedy – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get wary.
The Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a significant player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the full story of the events remains partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation could improve. I was devastatingly mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might possess the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.
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