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As we consider the previous year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth stories shines. These pieces probe multifaceted subjects from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human journeys.

A Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on power. Although several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still move millions of copies. It poses a pertinent question: Has the author become an apologist for the establishment?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route out of incarceration was to join the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now cost him his life.

A Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the history of our human race. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.

The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of abuse it had carried out.

A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights

Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.

Challenging a Country's Self-Image

A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's true intentions?

A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes

From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Condition

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective medical remedy – up until potentially now.

A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the uppermost echelons of government.

An English Professional With a Crooked Side

With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become uneasy.

A Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital

An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?

A Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry

Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case

How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?

An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.

A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women

When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of the events is still partially unclear.

A "Mozart" of the Online Economy

He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?

A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution

As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life could improve. I was tragically mistaken.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection

In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.

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