While we reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth articles shines. Such pieces delve into intricate subjects including political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author gained prominence in the nineties with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Although several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. This poses a pressing query: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape prison was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated argument has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of abuse it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many followers expected that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is this person really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical remedy – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy country has become a key force on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the precise story of the procedures remains partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life could change for the better. I was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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