While we look back on the previous year, a selection of outstanding in-depth pieces emerges. Such pieces probe complex themes including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing critiques on power. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This raises a key question: Has the author turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. However, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing intense controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is this person really reformed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the very highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get wary.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of the events is still somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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