As we look back on the previous year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth stories shines. These accounts explore complex subjects ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Although several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. However, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent heated argument has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable medical end – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get wary.
The Small State That Became the World's Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key player on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the prospect that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his life could improve. I was devastatingly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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