Upon reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces shines. These narratives delve into multifaceted subjects including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting heated argument has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking extent of abuse it had committed.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film following a repentant con artist as she records corrupt clients with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is she truly changed, and what are the director's true motives?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals turn to him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment solution – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the highest levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this ambitious role?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of what happened remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his life might improve. I was devastatingly wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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