As we consider the past year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth stories stands out. Such narratives explore intricate themes including political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This raises a key question: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent heated controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical end – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a significant player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise truth of the events remains somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation could turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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