While we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional in-depth stories shines. Such narratives delve into multifaceted topics from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal stories.
A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. This prompts a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now cost him his life.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the story of our species. But, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing extent of exploitation it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous followers hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt clients with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's true motives?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, families turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent medical end – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the very highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the full truth of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation could change for the better. I was tragically wrong.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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