As we consider the previous year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth stories stands out. These narratives explore complex topics from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of copies. It raises a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the story of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The resulting intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment end – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the highest levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of the events is still partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their islands may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?
One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his life could improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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