As we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. These pieces probe complex subjects ranging from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human sagas.
The Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. While many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of copies. This prompts a pressing query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now cost him his life.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent bitter argument has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is she truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, families depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an effective medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology shape the uppermost levels of government.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and sterling background, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely rich country has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact truth of the events is still somewhat contested.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation might improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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