As we consider the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth articles emerges. These pieces probe multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the nineties with scathing critiques on power. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This poses a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the history of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing extent of abuse it had committed.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is she really a new person, and is the director's true motives?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their most challenging hours, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable medical end – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major player on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this ambitious project?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the reality that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life could turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
A International AI Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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