While we consider the past year, a selection of exceptional in-depth stories shines. Such narratives delve into intricate subjects including political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with biting commentaries on power. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still move millions of copies. This raises a pertinent query: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's true motives?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, people turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment remedy – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the highest levels of government.
An British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get suspicious.
The Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation might change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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