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As we look back on the previous year, a selection of remarkable in-depth stories shines. Such narratives delve into multifaceted subjects ranging from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.

The Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. While numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an defender for the establishment?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could still get him killed.

The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins

The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated argument has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.

A British Sect That Hid in the Open

Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had committed.

A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law

Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.

Challenging a Country's Self-Image

A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?

The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes

From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, families turn to him to restore normalcy.

Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Condition

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until possibly now.

The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics

A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.

The British Professional With a Crooked Side

With his sharp mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become suspicious.

The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub

An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a key player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this ambitious role?

An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case

How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?

An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret

When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.

A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of the events remains partially shrouded.

The "Mozart" of the Attention Age

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the reality that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?

A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness

As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move

In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could hold the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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