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While we consider the year gone by, a selection of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. Such accounts probe multifaceted themes from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.

The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with biting satires on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a key query: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict

The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole route to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may now get him killed.

A Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins

The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.

A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.

A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law

A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to international law. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.

Shattering a Nation's Identity

A film following a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the director's true methods?

The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes

From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, families depend on him to bring back order.

Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an consistent treatment end – up until possibly now.

A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government

A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of government.

The English Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become wary.

A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital

An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major force on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?

A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle

Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Case

How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?

The End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret

When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.

A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women

When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of what happened is still partially contested.

The "Genius" of the Online Age

He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?

One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness

As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation might improve. That hope was tragically wrong.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move

In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.

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