Upon look back on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth stories stands out. Such accounts delve into complex subjects from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp critiques on power. While several of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a key query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely re-writing the history of our species. But, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing bitter argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing scale of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
A great many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging hours, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical remedy – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology shape the highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a major actor on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact nature of the events is still partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his life might change for the better. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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