As we consider the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable in-depth stories shines. Such pieces delve into complex topics ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only path out of prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might now get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting heated argument has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling extent of mistreatment it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt clients with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest times, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the very highest levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a key actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise truth of the events remains partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation could turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the key to who wins the global AI race.
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