While we consider the past year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth pieces emerges. These pieces delve into multifaceted topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal stories.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. It prompts a key question: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only path out of prison was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting bitter argument has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's own methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging moments, families turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment end – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the very highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a major force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
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 two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation could improve. I was tragically wrong.
The International AI Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might possess the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
