A Top In-Depth Articles of the Year: A Selection of Compelling Writing

As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces stands out. These pieces explore intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.

A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on power. While several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It raises a pertinent query: Has he become an supporter for the regime?

Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War

The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.

A Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.

A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.

The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights

Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.

Breaking a Country's Myth

A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's own methods?

The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest times, people rely on him to bring back peace.

Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment solution – until possibly now.

A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government

A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the uppermost levels of the state.

An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get suspicious.

A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center

An extremely wealthy country has become a key force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?

An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle

Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.

During the Trial of a Tragic Story

How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?

An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.

The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of the procedures remains partially contested.

The "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas

With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness

When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life might improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move

In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might hold the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.

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