As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of outstanding in-depth stories shines. These narratives probe complex subjects including political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on power. Whereas many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a pressing query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only path to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter argument has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest times, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective medical end – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a major force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the full story of the events remains somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
