Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth stories stands out. These narratives delve into intricate themes including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human journeys.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with biting critiques on power. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still sell millions of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has he become an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The resulting intense controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks complex questions: Is she truly reformed, and is the director's own motives?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment solution – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology shape the very highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get uneasy.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An incredibly rich country has risen as a significant player on the international scene, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread 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 Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his life might turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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