Upon consider the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional in-depth stories stands out. These pieces probe multifaceted subjects from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path out of prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically rewriting the history of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent intense controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, individuals turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an consistent medical solution – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the uppermost echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a significant force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this ambitious project?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of the procedures remains somewhat contested.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the reality that their islands may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: To where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life might improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the key to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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