Upon consider the past year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth articles emerges. These pieces delve into intricate subjects from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a key question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole path out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent intense controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording poses complex queries: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the director's own motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest times, people turn to him to restore order.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an consistent medical remedy – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of the procedures remains partially contested.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the possibility that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his life could improve. I was tragically wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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