While we reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth articles stands out. Such pieces explore multifaceted topics including geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Although many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This raises a pressing query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could now get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. However, a faction was persuaded. The resulting intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is she really reformed, and is the director's own methods?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, families depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant player on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of the procedures remains partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his life could change for the better. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could hold the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.
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