While we reflect on the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth stories emerges. Such accounts explore complex themes ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on power. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pertinent query: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the director's true motives?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of the procedures remains somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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