As we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth stories stands out. Such accounts delve into multifaceted themes ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pressing query: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might still cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter controversy has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses complex questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the director's true motives?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest moments, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich country has become a major force on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this ambitious role?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking 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 precise story of the procedures remains partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation could turn around. I was sadly wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the key to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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