While we look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding in-depth stories emerges. Such narratives probe intricate topics from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This poses a key query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many voters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is she genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical solution – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a major actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the full story of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life could turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the secret to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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