Upon reflect on the past year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth stories stands out. These pieces probe multifaceted topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal stories.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
An author became known in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on power. While numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of copies. It poses a key question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may now cost him his life.
A Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is this person really reformed, and is the director's own intentions?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment end – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the exact truth of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation could change for the better. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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