While we look back on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional in-depth articles shines. Such accounts delve into intricate topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country
An author became known in the nineties with biting satires on power. While several of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This poses a key question: Has he evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, families depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of government.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich country has transformed into a significant player on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented project?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of what happened is still partially contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation could change for the better. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could possess the secret to who prevails in the global AI race.
The finest stories
