While we look back on the past year, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces emerges. Such narratives delve into complex subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the nineties with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Although many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of books. This raises a pressing query: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may still cost him his life.
A Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of exploitation it had committed.
The Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest moments, individuals rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the highest levels of government.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of the events is still partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life could improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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