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Upon reflect on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth stories emerges. These narratives explore complex topics from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.

The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Although many of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still cost him his life.

The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins

The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as radically changing the narrative of our human race. But, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting heated controversy has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.

The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing scale of exploitation it had committed.

A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights

Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.

Shattering a Nation's Myth

A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is she really reformed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?

The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains

From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest times, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical solution – until perhaps now.

A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the highest levels of the state.

An English Professional With a Crooked Side

With his sharp intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.

The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center

An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a significant player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?

A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Story

What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?

An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.

The Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise truth of the events is still somewhat contested.

The "Genius" of the Online Economy

He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?

A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness

As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation could turn around. I was sadly mistaken.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move

In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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