As we look back on the past year, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces emerges. These accounts probe intricate topics from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. This poses a key query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing scale of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is this person really changed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, families turn to him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable medical solution – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get suspicious.
The Small State That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a significant force on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of the events is still partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his life might improve. I was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the answers to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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