While we look back on the past year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth pieces stands out. Such pieces probe multifaceted topics including political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It poses a key query: Has the author become an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole path out of prison was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now get him killed.
A Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically rewriting the history of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the director's true intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest moments, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical remedy – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the very highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get uneasy.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a key player on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of the events is still somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation could change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful narratives
