Upon consider the past year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth articles emerges. These narratives delve into intricate themes from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting satires on autocratic rule. While several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell millions of copies. This poses a key query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only way out of incarceration was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely changing the history of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the director's true motives?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging hours, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable medical remedy – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become uneasy.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major player on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full nature of what happened is still partially contested.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and given away enormous amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their home may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life could change for the better. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could possess the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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