Upon reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding in-depth pieces stands out. These narratives delve into complex topics from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on power. While numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This prompts a key question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now cost him his life.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as completely re-writing the history of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting bitter controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with covert recording poses complex queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the director's true motives?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, families rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical solution – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant mind and sterling background, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get wary.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation might turn around. I was tragically mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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