While we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable in-depth pieces stands out. These pieces explore complex topics ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal stories.
The Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of copies. It poses a key query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still get him killed.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely re-writing the history of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting bitter controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film following a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording asks complex questions: Is she truly a new person, and is the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, people depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and sterling background, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a significant player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full nature of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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