As we reflect on the previous year, a selection of exceptional in-depth stories stands out. These narratives probe complex topics including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing critiques on power. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route out of incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically changing the story of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent bitter controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is this person truly changed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest moments, families turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable medical solution – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major force on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of the events remains partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the prospect that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life could turn around. That hope was tragically mistaken.
The International AI Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
