Upon reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding in-depth stories emerges. Such pieces explore intricate subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human sagas.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with scathing satires on power. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. It raises a key question: Has he evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as completely changing the history of our species. But, a faction was persuaded. The resulting intense controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had committed.
The Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she really changed, and what are the director's own motives?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, people depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective medical remedy – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich country has risen as a major player on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise truth of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation could turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
