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While we reflect on the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth articles stands out. These accounts probe complex subjects including geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.

A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country

An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still move millions of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?

Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.

A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the history of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The resulting intense controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.

A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open

One woman was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.

The Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law

Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.

Shattering a Nation's Self-Image

A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?

A Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging moments, families depend on him to restore peace.

Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Condition

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an consistent medical solution – until perhaps now.

A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government

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

An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his sharp intellect and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become suspicious.

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

An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?

An Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?

The End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret

When efforts 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 disappointment was not unforeseen.

A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women

When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the exact truth of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.

The "Genius" of the Online Age

He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and given away enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?

One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness

As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his life might turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection

In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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