As we reflect on the past year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth pieces stands out. These pieces explore complex topics including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a key query: Has the author become an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the history of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is this person truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, people depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical solution – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the uppermost levels of government.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center
An extremely rich country has become a key player on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the full story of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered enormous amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might turn around. I was tragically wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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