While we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding in-depth stories stands out. These pieces explore complex topics from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on power. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This prompts a pertinent query: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole way to escape prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent intense argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the director's own motives?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, families turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant player on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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