While we reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional in-depth stories emerges. Such narratives probe multifaceted subjects including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with sharp critiques on power. Although several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It raises a pressing query: Has he turned into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the story of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting bitter argument has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of exploitation it had committed.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film following a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's true methods?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, families rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical end – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the prospect that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could turn around. I was tragically mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might possess the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The best narratives
