As we consider the previous year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. Such pieces delve into complex topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on power. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It raises a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole route out of prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.
The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the director's true motives?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, families turn to him to restore order.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment solution – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a significant player on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the precise truth of the procedures is still partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life might improve. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might possess the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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