While we reflect on the previous year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth articles stands out. Such narratives delve into complex topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on power. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. This poses a pressing query: Has he become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path out of incarceration was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. But, a faction was persuaded. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises complex queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the director's own intentions?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest times, families depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a significant force on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of the procedures is still partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might improve. That hope was tragically wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The best narratives
