While we consider the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding in-depth stories emerges. Such pieces probe intricate themes ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still move millions of books. It poses a key query: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still cost him his life.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely rewriting the story of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent heated argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest moments, families turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical end – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the very highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get wary.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a major force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full story of the events is still partially contested.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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