Upon consider the previous year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth pieces emerges. Such narratives delve into complex themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. While several of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This prompts a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting heated controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is she really changed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, people depend on him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment end – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the reality that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life could turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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