As we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth pieces stands out. These accounts explore intricate themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. It raises a pressing query: Has he turned into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing intense argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking scale of mistreatment it had committed.
A Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's own motives?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, families depend on him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical end – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and sterling background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get wary.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a major player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of what happened is still partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away vast amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their home may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race 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. Today, he could possess the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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