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While we consider the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable in-depth articles emerges. Such accounts explore complex themes from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply human sagas.

A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on power. Although numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This poses a key query: Has he become an supporter for the regime?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict

The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now get him killed.

The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing bitter argument has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.

The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of exploitation it had committed.

The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights

Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to international law. However, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.

Shattering a Nation's Identity

A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt clients with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is she really reformed, and is the director's own intentions?

A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest times, people depend on him to restore order.

Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical end – up until perhaps now.

A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government

A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest levels of the state.

The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his keen intellect and flawless credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.

The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub

An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a significant player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?

A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle

Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

During the Trial of a Tragic Case

How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?

The End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret

When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.

The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the full nature of what happened is still partially contested.

A "Genius" of the Attention Economy

He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?

A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution

As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.

The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection

In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.

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