As we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding in-depth stories emerges. These narratives explore intricate subjects ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This poses a pertinent question: Has he turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as completely re-writing the story of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks complex queries: Is this person truly changed, and is the director's own methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an consistent treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of government.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become wary.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly rich country has risen as a major player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of the events is still partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their islands may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his situation could improve. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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