Upon consider the past year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth articles stands out. These narratives probe intricate themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he still sell millions of copies. It raises a pressing query: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the government forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely changing the story of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent heated argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking breadth of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is this person really reformed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest times, individuals turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical solution – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas shape the highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a key actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full nature of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
