While we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional in-depth pieces emerges. Such narratives probe intricate themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. It prompts a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole way to escape prison was to join the government forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the story of our human race. But, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense scholarly debate has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing breadth of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the director's true intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest moments, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical remedy – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get wary.
A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich country has become a major actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
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 letdown was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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