While we look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding in-depth articles shines. These accounts probe intricate subjects including political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp critiques on power. Although several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. This poses a pertinent query: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the government military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the story of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting intense argument has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult 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 helped uncover the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had committed.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person really changed, and is the director's true methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical end – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a key player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation could change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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