Upon reflect on the past year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth articles emerges. These accounts probe multifaceted themes ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.
The Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Country
An author gained prominence in the nineties with sharp commentaries on power. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. It prompts a key query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now get him killed.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting intense argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling extent of exploitation it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is this person really changed, and is the director's own intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their most challenging moments, people turn to him to restore peace.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment end – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become wary.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of the events is still somewhat contested.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might improve. I was devastatingly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
