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As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth articles emerges. Such narratives delve into intricate subjects including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.

The Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Country

An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pressing query: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still get him killed.

The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Origins

The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically changing the history of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.

A UK Cult That Hid in the Open

One woman was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.

A Leader's Curious Stance on International Law

Many supporters expected that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to international law. However, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.

Breaking a Nation's Self-Image

A film featuring a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording poses complex questions: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's true intentions?

A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains

From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, families rely on him to restore peace.

Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable medical remedy – up until potentially now.

The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of the state.

An British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret

With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.

A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center

An extremely rich Gulf state has become a major force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?

An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry

Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story

How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?

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

When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.

A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women

When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the full nature of what happened remains somewhat unclear.

A "Genius" of the Online Age

He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution

As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life might change for the better. That hope was tragically wrong.

A International AI Competition and a Key Defection

In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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