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Upon consider the previous year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth pieces shines. Such narratives explore multifaceted subjects including geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.

The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation

An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pertinent question: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War

The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.

A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins

The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as completely re-writing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking extent of mistreatment it had carried out.

A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law

A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.

Breaking a Nation's Self-Image

A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is this person really reformed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?

The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains

From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, families depend on him to restore order.

Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Condition

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – until possibly now.

A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics

A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of the state.

An British Professional With a Crooked Side

With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become suspicious.

The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital

An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a major actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?

A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story

What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?

The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.

The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When details about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full story of the events remains partially shrouded.

The "Master" of the Attention Economy

He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy 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 residents is confronting the prospect that their home may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?

A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution

As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life could change for the better. That hope was tragically misplaced.

A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection

In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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