Upon reflect on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces shines. These accounts explore intricate subjects ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the nineties with sharp satires on authoritarianism. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a key question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still cost him his life.
A Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as completely changing the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter controversy has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the director's true methods?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their stickiest times, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment end – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and sterling background, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich country has transformed into a key player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise truth of what happened is still somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation could turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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