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Upon consider the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional in-depth pieces shines. Such pieces delve into complex subjects from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.

The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country

A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with biting critiques on autocratic rule. While several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could still cost him his life.

A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the history of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.

The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of mistreatment it had committed.

A Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law

Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.

Shattering a Country's Identity

A film following a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the director's own motives?

The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains

From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to restore order.

Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?

More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective treatment remedy – until potentially now.

The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics

A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of the state.

The British Professional With a Crooked Side

With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get suspicious.

A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital

An astonishingly rich country has become a significant player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?

An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Battle

Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

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

The End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.

A Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Women

When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of the procedures remains partially unclear.

The "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?

One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness

When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life might change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.

A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move

In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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