Upon reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding in-depth pieces shines. These pieces explore intricate themes including geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human sagas.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This raises a pressing question: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the history of our human race. However, some scholars was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the director's own methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment end – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get uneasy.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly rich country has transformed into a significant force on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise nature of the procedures is still partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his life could change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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