As we reflect on the past year, a assortment of exceptional in-depth stories stands out. These accounts explore complex subjects from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on power. While numerous of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent query: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole path to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as completely changing the story of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is this person really reformed, and what are the director's true motives?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, families turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable medical end – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the uppermost levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and sterling background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become suspicious.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key player on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his situation might improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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