While we consider the past year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth articles stands out. These pieces explore intricate topics from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal stories.
The Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Country
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pressing question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only route out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the shocking extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
Many supporters hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's true motives?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to restore peace.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment end – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become wary.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a significant force on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down 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 unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise truth of the events is still partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life could turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
