While we consider the previous year, a assortment of exceptional in-depth stories stands out. Such accounts probe complex themes ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with scathing critiques on power. While several of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording poses complex questions: Is this person truly a new person, and is the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their most challenging hours, individuals rely on him to bring back order.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a key player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact truth of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life might improve. I was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
