Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth articles shines. These pieces delve into complex topics ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp satires on power. Whereas many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move millions of books. It poses a pressing question: Has he evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting bitter controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is she truly reformed, and is the director's true methods?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging times, people depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective treatment remedy – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and sterling credentials, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become suspicious.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich country has become a major force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full truth of the procedures remains partially contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation might turn around. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A International AI Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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