As we reflect on the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth stories stands out. These accounts explore intricate topics including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has the author become an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may now get him killed.
A Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing intense controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
A Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording asks complex questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe 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 reliable treatment solution – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings shape the highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a major player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise nature of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
A Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.
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