While we consider the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding in-depth stories stands out. Such narratives delve into complex themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the nineties with biting critiques on power. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This prompts a key question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way out of incarceration was to join the regime military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks complex questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's own methods?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their stickiest moments, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the highest echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key actor on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his life might improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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