As we consider the past year, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces shines. Such narratives explore complex topics including political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
A Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Country
An author rose to fame in the nineties with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of copies. It raises a pressing question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is this person really changed, and is the director's own methods?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment end – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the very highest levels of government.
The English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation could turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might possess the answers to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
