As we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces shines. Such accounts probe intricate themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still sell millions of copies. This prompts a key query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting heated scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Leader's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks complex queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's own methods?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, people depend on him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major force on the international scene, working to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this ambitious role?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of what happened remains partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his situation could improve. I was tragically misplaced.
The International AI 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 his home country. Today, he could hold the secret to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
