As we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional in-depth pieces stands out. Such narratives explore complex topics from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a pressing query: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely rewriting the history of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises complex queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the director's own methods?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest moments, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical remedy – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become wary.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a major actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full story of the events is still partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the possibility that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life could change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The International AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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