Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional in-depth stories stands out. Such pieces delve into complex subjects ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with biting satires on autocratic rule. Although several of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still move millions of copies. This poses a pressing question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the history of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter argument has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had committed.
A Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many voters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the director's own methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest times, people depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical solution – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full truth of what happened is still somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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