Upon consider the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding in-depth stories shines. These pieces explore intricate topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a pertinent question: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The resulting heated scholarly debate has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's own motives?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment end – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.
A Small State That Became the World's Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy country has become a key player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions 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 latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the full story of what happened remains partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the reality that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life might improve. I was sadly wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
