While we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding in-depth articles stands out. Such accounts delve into multifaceted themes from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting critiques on autocratic rule. While several of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. This raises a pertinent question: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route out of prison was to join the regime military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the story of our species. However, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing heated argument has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking extent of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest moments, families turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical solution – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a key player on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the full nature of the procedures remains somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life might change for the better. I was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
