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Upon consider the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable in-depth pieces emerges. Such pieces explore intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.

The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing critiques on power. Although several of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. It raises a pressing question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War

The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.

A Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as completely re-writing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting heated scholarly debate has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.

A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open

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

A Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law

A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.

Challenging a Nation's Identity

A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person really changed, and is the director's own motives?

A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest moments, people turn to him to bring back order.

Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?

Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure 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 Torture of Severe Condition

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment end – up until possibly now.

The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics

A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the highest echelons of government.

An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side

With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.

The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center

An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a key force on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?

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

Deeply disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

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

An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret

When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.

The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women

When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of what happened remains somewhat unclear.

A "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?

A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution

As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his life might turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.

The International AI Race and a Pivotal Move

In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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