Upon consider the previous year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth articles shines. Such pieces probe intricate subjects from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp satires on autocratic rule. While many of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a pertinent question: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the history of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The resulting intense controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had committed.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the director's true intentions?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, people turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment solution – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the uppermost levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and impeccable background, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise truth of the events is still somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could improve. That hope was tragically wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could possess the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.
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