As we consider the year gone by, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces shines. These narratives probe multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
The Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It prompts a pressing question: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now get him killed.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. However, a faction was convinced. The subsequent bitter controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's true motives?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective treatment solution – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the full nature of what happened remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life might change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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