Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of exceptional in-depth pieces shines. These accounts delve into complex themes from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human journeys.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pressing query: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only path out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the history of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the director's true intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
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 perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the uppermost levels of government.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key force on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his life could change for the better. I was sadly wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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