As we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional in-depth stories shines. These pieces explore complex themes including political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Although many of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of copies. It poses a pertinent query: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The ensuing heated controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing scale of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the director's own methods?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, families rely on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an effective medical solution – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a key player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of what happened remains partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation might turn around. I was tragically mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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