Upon consider the previous year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth articles shines. These pieces explore complex topics ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
A Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. While many of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of books. This prompts a key query: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may still get him killed.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the history of our species. However, a faction was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, people depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings shape the very highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich country has become a major player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the precise story of the events remains partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the prospect that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation could turn around. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
