As we consider the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional in-depth articles stands out. These pieces explore multifaceted themes from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal stories.
The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with biting critiques on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of books. This poses a key query: Has the author turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now cost him his life.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically changing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The ensuing bitter controversy has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the director's true methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their stickiest moments, individuals rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an effective medical end – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the very highest echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a major player on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact nature of what happened is still partially contested.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life might improve. I was tragically mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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