Upon consider the previous year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth stories emerges. These narratives probe intricate themes including political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.
The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Although several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It poses a pertinent question: Has he turned into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could still cost him his life.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the story of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The resulting intense controversy has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of exploitation it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is she really changed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their most challenging hours, families rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent medical remedy – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has become a major player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of the events is still somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the prospect that their home may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation could improve. That hope was sadly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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