While we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth stories shines. These accounts explore multifaceted topics from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This raises a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter argument has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of exploitation it had carried out.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, families depend on him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical solution – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the uppermost echelons of government.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become suspicious.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a key player on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of the events remains somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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