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Upon reflect on the past year, a assortment of exceptional in-depth pieces shines. These narratives probe complex subjects including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.

A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country

A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on power. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he still move millions of books. It poses a pressing question: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may now get him killed.

A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the story of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.

A British Cult That Hid in the Open

Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing breadth of abuse it had carried out.

A Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law

Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.

Challenging a Nation's Myth

A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is this person really reformed, and is the director's own motives?

A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment solution – until possibly now.

A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the uppermost echelons of government.

An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret

With his keen mind and flawless background, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get suspicious.

A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub

An extremely wealthy country has risen as a major player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?

A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry

Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?

The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent 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.

A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of the events is still partially contested.

The "Genius" of the Online Age

He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness

As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could improve. I was sadly misplaced.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection

In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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