While we consider the past year, a selection of remarkable in-depth stories shines. Such narratives probe complex themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.
The Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with biting satires on power. While several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This prompts a pertinent query: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as completely changing the history of our species. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The resulting heated argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person really changed, and is the director's own methods?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, people depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical remedy – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a major player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life might improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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