While we reflect on the previous year, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces stands out. These accounts explore complex themes ranging from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
An author gained prominence in the nineties with sharp satires on power. Although several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This poses a pressing question: Has the author become an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically changing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
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 expose the disturbing extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging times, individuals rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment end – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable background, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become wary.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a significant force on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and given away enormous amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A International AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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