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While we reflect on the previous year, a selection of exceptional in-depth pieces shines. Such pieces delve into intricate topics including political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.

The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Although many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. It poses a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an defender for the establishment?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict

The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now get him killed.

A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. But, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing heated argument has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking scale of abuse it had perpetrated.

The Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law

Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.

Breaking a Nation's Identity

A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the director's own intentions?

A Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest times, families turn to him to bring back peace.

Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical solution – up until potentially now.

A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government

A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of the state.

The British Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get wary.

A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub

An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this unprecedented project?

A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle

Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story

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

The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret

When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.

The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the full story of what happened is still partially shrouded.

A "Mozart" of the Online Economy

He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?

A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness

As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation could improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection

In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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