As we consider the year gone by, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces shines. Such accounts probe intricate topics including political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. While several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. It poses a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole path to escape prison was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still cost him his life.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the history of our human race. But, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the shocking extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is she truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, individuals turn to him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of government.
The British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
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 two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full truth of the events is still somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life could turn around. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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