Upon consider the previous year, a selection of exceptional in-depth pieces stands out. These accounts delve into intricate subjects including political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This raises a key question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only route out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our human race. But, some scholars was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, people depend on him to restore peace.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical end – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get suspicious.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might turn around. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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