Upon reflect on the previous year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth stories shines. These accounts probe complex themes ranging from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on power. While several of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. This prompts a key query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may now get him killed.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the shocking scale of exploitation it had carried out.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film following a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is this person truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest hours, people turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical end – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the very highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get suspicious.
The Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a key player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this unprecedented role?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the full truth of the procedures remains partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his life might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could hold the key to who wins the global AI race.
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