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Upon reflect on the past year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth articles emerges. These accounts probe complex topics including geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal stories.

A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. While many of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pertinent query: Has he become an apologist for the regime?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape prison was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may still cost him his life.

A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the history of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting intense controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Cult That Operated in the Open

One woman was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of abuse it had perpetrated.

The Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights

A great many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.

Shattering a Country's Self-Image

A film following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?

A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals rely on him to bring back order.

Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective medical solution – up until possibly now.

The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the very highest levels of government.

An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret

With his sharp mind and flawless background, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get uneasy.

The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital

An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a major actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?

A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry

Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

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

The End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.

A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of what happened is still partially shrouded.

A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution

When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation might improve. I was devastatingly mistaken.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection

In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.

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