While we reflect on the previous year, a selection of outstanding in-depth articles stands out. Such pieces delve into intricate themes including political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
An author became known in the nineties with scathing commentaries on power. Although numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It raises a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as radically rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated argument has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is this person really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, people turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical end – until possibly now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of what happened remains somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might turn around. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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