Upon reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional in-depth stories emerges. Such narratives delve into intricate themes including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It poses a pressing query: Has he turned into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting bitter argument has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of abuse it had carried out.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is she truly changed, and what are the director's own methods?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their darkest hours, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment end – up until possibly now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas shape the highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a significant player on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life could turn around. I was tragically mistaken.
The International AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
