As we look back on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth articles emerges. These narratives probe intricate topics including geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Country
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It poses a key question: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing intense controversy has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous voters expected that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging moments, individuals turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical solution – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a major player on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal 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 latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the full story of the events is still partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation might change for the better. I was tragically wrong.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
