While we consider the past year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth articles shines. These pieces explore multifaceted subjects from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on power. Although several of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still sell millions of copies. This poses a pressing query: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole route to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The resulting intense argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film following a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is she really a new person, and is the director's true methods?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective treatment solution – until possibly now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become wary.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a key actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact nature of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life could improve. I was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could possess the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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