As we consider the previous year, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces emerges. Such accounts delve into multifaceted themes including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he still sell millions of copies. It poses a pertinent query: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way out of prison was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent heated argument has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of abuse it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording poses complex questions: Is she truly changed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent medical remedy – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant mind and sterling background, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a significant force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the full story of the events remains somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life could improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the secret to who wins the global AI race.
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