Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. Such narratives explore multifaceted themes ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. While several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a pertinent question: Has the author become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape prison was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the history of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent heated argument has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks complex queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the director's true methods?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest times, people turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment solution – until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious project?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise nature of the events remains somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might improve. I was devastatingly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.
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