As we consider the previous year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth stories emerges. Such pieces explore intricate topics including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. This prompts a pressing question: Has the author become an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
Many supporters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is this person really changed, and is the director's true intentions?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging hours, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a key actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise truth of the procedures is still partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The International AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may hold the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.
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