While we consider the previous year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth stories shines. Such pieces probe intricate themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It raises a key query: Has he evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the government forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now cost him his life.
The Bitter Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling extent of mistreatment it had committed.
A Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, families turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an effective treatment solution – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the uppermost levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely rich country has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact story of what happened remains partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life could turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the key to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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