As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding in-depth articles stands out. These pieces explore intricate subjects ranging from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of copies. It prompts a key question: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent heated controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the director's own intentions?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, families depend on him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an effective treatment remedy – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a significant actor on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of what happened remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might improve. I was devastatingly wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
