While we consider the previous year, a selection of exceptional in-depth stories stands out. Such accounts probe complex themes including political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It raises a key query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely rewriting the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises complex queries: Is this person really changed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, families turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the very highest levels of government.
The British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life might improve. I was tragically mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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