Upon consider the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth stories shines. These pieces delve into complex themes including political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. While many of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. It poses a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only route out of incarceration was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Leader's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is this person really a new person, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, people turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the very highest levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a significant player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise truth of what happened is still partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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