While we look back on the past year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth pieces emerges. These pieces probe complex themes ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. It raises a key question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the government forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The resulting intense controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling extent of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment end – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get uneasy.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a major player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to manage a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of the events is still partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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