Upon reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. These narratives probe intricate subjects from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author become an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still get him killed.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the story of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing heated argument has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, families rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective treatment end – up until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a key force on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious role?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of the events is still somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their home may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life could improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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