As we reflect on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces stands out. Such accounts delve into intricate themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. While many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell millions of books. It raises a pressing query: Has he become an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of prison was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may now cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely re-writing the history of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the director's own motives?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest times, people turn to him to restore order.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of the events is still somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the possibility that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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