While we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional in-depth pieces emerges. These accounts delve into complex themes including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on power. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pressing query: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses complex questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging moments, individuals rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a significant player on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of what happened remains partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the reality that their islands may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life might change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the key to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
