As we reflect on the past year, a selection of outstanding in-depth stories stands out. Such narratives probe intricate topics ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This poses a pressing question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. But, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent intense controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film following a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is this person really changed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, families rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their islands may soon be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they going to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life might turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
A International AI Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
