While we consider the past year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth stories shines. These pieces probe intricate themes from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of books. This prompts a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could now get him killed.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the story of our species. However, a faction was convinced. The subsequent bitter argument has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling scale of exploitation it had carried out.
A Leader's Curious Stance on International Law
Many followers expected that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is this person truly a new person, and is the director's true motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective medical remedy – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise truth of the events remains partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life might change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.
A International AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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