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As we look back on the past year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth articles shines. Such pieces probe intricate subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.

A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with sharp satires on authoritarianism. While many of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the establishment?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict

The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole way to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now cost him his life.

A Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Origins

The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling extent of mistreatment it had committed.

A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law

A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.

Challenging a Nation's Self-Image

A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is this person really a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?

The Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes

From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest times, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – until perhaps now.

A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics

A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the uppermost echelons of the state.

An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to get wary.

The Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital

An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a significant force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?

An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry

Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

During the Trial of a Tragic Story

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

The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning

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

The Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers

When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the full nature of what happened remains partially shrouded.

A "Master" of the Attention Age

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?

A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness

When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global AI race.

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