Upon reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable in-depth stories stands out. Such narratives probe intricate topics including geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
An author became known in the 1990s with biting satires on power. While many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This raises a pressing question: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the history of our human race. But, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing heated argument has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling breadth of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many supporters hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, people rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical end – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the very highest echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become suspicious.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the precise truth of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life could improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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