Upon consider the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth stories stands out. These pieces explore multifaceted themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with scathing critiques on power. Although numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. This poses a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our human race. However, some scholars was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective treatment solution – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the very highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a key actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact story of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the possibility that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation might improve. I was devastatingly wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.
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