As we consider the year gone by, a selection of outstanding in-depth articles shines. Such pieces explore complex subjects ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This prompts a key query: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only path to escape prison was to join the government forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could now get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely rewriting the history of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent bitter controversy has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had committed.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many followers expected that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film following a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is she truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.
A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich country has become a significant actor on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his life could change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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