While we look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth stories emerges. Such accounts delve into complex themes ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This poses a pressing question: Has he turned into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. But, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing heated argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many voters expected 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.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is she truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging times, people depend on him to bring back order.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment solution – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become wary.
A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the full nature of the events remains partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and given away enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the reality that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation might improve. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the answers to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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