While we look back on the past year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth pieces shines. These pieces delve into intricate topics including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human sagas.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. This poses a key query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the director's own intentions?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an consistent medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become wary.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a major force on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the full story of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered huge amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation could change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might hold the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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