Upon consider the year gone by, a selection of outstanding in-depth stories shines. These narratives explore multifaceted themes including geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal stories.
The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with biting critiques on power. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still sell millions of copies. It raises a key query: Has he turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might now get him killed.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The subsequent bitter controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film following a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's true intentions?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective treatment end – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the highest levels of government.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely rich country has risen as a key force on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of the events remains somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the reality that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life might improve. That hope was sadly wrong.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
