Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of remarkable in-depth stories stands out. Such narratives delve into intricate subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with biting satires on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. It poses a key question: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. However, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing intense controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging moments, people rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment end – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich country has become a key actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the full truth of the events remains partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation could turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
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