Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of exceptional in-depth pieces stands out. These pieces delve into multifaceted topics including political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of books. It raises a key question: Has he evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route out of prison was to join the regime military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting intense controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the director's true intentions?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical end – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the highest levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get suspicious.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a significant force on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of the procedures remains partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his life could improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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