As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces stands out. These pieces explore multifaceted subjects from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
A Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This prompts a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically re-writing the story of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The subsequent intense argument has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking extent of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is this person truly changed, and what are the director's own motives?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a key player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the precise story of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life could change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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