Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional in-depth stories shines. These narratives delve into intricate topics from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. This prompts a pertinent query: Has the author become an supporter 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 sole path to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely rewriting the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing scale of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous voters expected that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's own methods?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging moments, individuals depend on him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical end – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of government.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of the procedures remains partially contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life might turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the global AI race.
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