As we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional in-depth stories stands out. These pieces explore multifaceted topics including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with sharp commentaries on power. Although many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. This poses a key query: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only way out of prison was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as radically rewriting the story of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The resulting heated controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing extent of abuse it had committed.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is she genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical solution – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become uneasy.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich country has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the full nature of what happened remains somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
When 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 Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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