Upon consider the previous year, a selection of outstanding in-depth pieces stands out. Such accounts delve into multifaceted themes from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with biting satires on authoritarianism. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This poses a key query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely rewriting the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent heated argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing extent of abuse it had carried out.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she truly changed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, people rely on him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective medical solution – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become uneasy.
The Small State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly rich country has risen as a major player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full story of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life might improve. I was sadly mistaken.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the key to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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