While we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding in-depth stories stands out. These accounts delve into complex topics including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the nineties with biting satires on power. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. It raises a pertinent query: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still cost him his life.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises complex queries: Is this person truly reformed, and is the director's own methods?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest moments, families depend on him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective treatment end – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a key player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the exact story of the events is still somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered vast amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life might improve. I was sadly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the key to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
