While we consider the year gone by, a selection of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. Such narratives explore multifaceted themes including political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author became known in the nineties with scathing satires on power. Although several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pertinent question: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is this person really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their stickiest moments, individuals turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable medical remedy – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly rich country has become a significant actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise story of what happened is still partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the secret to who wins the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
