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Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces stands out. These accounts explore complex themes from political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.

A Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp satires on power. Although numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. This prompts a key query: Has the author become an apologist for the regime?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict

The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only path out of prison was to join the regime military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may still get him killed.

The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins

The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent heated argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of exploitation it had committed.

The Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law

A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.

Shattering a Country's Myth

A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?

A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains

From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, families depend on him to bring back order.

Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?

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

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment end – until possibly now.

A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of the state.

An English Professional With a Crooked Side

With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become suspicious.

A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital

An extremely wealthy country has become a significant actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this ambitious role?

An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry

Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?

An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret

When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.

The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women

When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of the events is still partially unclear.

The "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution

When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life might turn around. I was devastatingly wrong.

A International AI Competition and a Crucial Move

In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.

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