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Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of exceptional in-depth articles emerges. These narratives explore multifaceted themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human journeys.

The Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he still move millions of books. It poses a pressing query: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War

The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.

A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the story of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing intense controversy has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.

The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling extent of exploitation it had committed.

The Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights

A great many voters expected that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.

Challenging a Country's Self-Image

A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises complex queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?

A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains

From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, individuals turn to him to bring back order.

Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?

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

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until potentially now.

The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of the state.

The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his sharp intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.

The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital

An extremely rich country has become a key player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?

A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Battle

Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?

An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.

A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact story of the procedures remains partially contested.

A "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?

Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to go?

One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution

When I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation could turn around. I was sadly misplaced.

A International AI Race and a Pivotal Move

In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.

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