While we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. Such pieces explore complex subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal journeys.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on power. Although several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he still move millions of books. This raises a pertinent query: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still get him killed.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the story of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of abuse it had carried out.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest moments, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an effective medical solution – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a major player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the full story of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered huge amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence 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. Now, he may hold the answers to who wins the global AI race.
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