Upon consider the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth pieces stands out. These narratives probe multifaceted topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It prompts a pressing query: Has he become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent bitter controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is she really changed, and what are the director's true intentions?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical end – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a key actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of the events remains partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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