Upon consider the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding in-depth articles stands out. These narratives explore intricate themes ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human sagas.
A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on power. While several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. This raises a pressing query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now get him killed.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the narrative of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing scale of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the very highest echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant player on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise truth of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may possess the secret to who wins the global AI race.
The finest narratives
