As we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional in-depth stories emerges. These narratives explore complex themes from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. It poses a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route out of prison was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the story of our species. But, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent heated argument has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling extent of abuse it had carried out.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is she really a new person, and is the director's own motives?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment solution – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling 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 front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the full story of the events remains somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could possess the key to which nation wins the global AI race.
The best stories
