Upon consider the past year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth stories shines. These narratives explore complex topics including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
An author became known in the 1990s with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. This prompts a pressing question: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent heated argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest hours, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy country has become a major actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this ambitious role?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside 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 infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full truth of the procedures is still partially contested.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed enormous sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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