Upon consider the past year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth stories shines. Such pieces delve into multifaceted themes from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
An author became known in the nineties with scathing critiques on power. While numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. It raises a pressing question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting heated scholarly debate has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing extent of exploitation it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises complex queries: Is this person really a new person, and what are the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the very highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a significant player on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of what happened is still partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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