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As we look back on the previous year, a selection of exceptional in-depth articles emerges. These accounts explore multifaceted topics including geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.

A Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Nation

An author became known in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. While many of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of copies. This poses a pertinent query: Has he become an supporter for the regime?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict

The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now get him killed.

The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Origins

The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing intense controversy has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open

One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of abuse it had carried out.

The Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law

A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.

Shattering a Country's Identity

A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is she really changed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?

A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes

From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals rely on him to restore order.

Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.

A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology shape the very highest levels of the state.

An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side

With his sharp intellect and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become wary.

A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center

An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a significant force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?

An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle

Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case

What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?

The End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret

When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.

The Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Mothers

When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of the procedures is still partially unclear.

A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the possibility that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness

When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his situation might turn around. I was tragically misplaced.

A Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection

In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.

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