Upon consider the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces shines. Such narratives delve into multifaceted topics from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
An author became known in the 1990s with biting critiques on power. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of books. This poses a key query: Has the author become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as completely changing the history of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent intense argument has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking scale of mistreatment it had committed.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film following a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the director's true motives?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, people turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable medical remedy – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the uppermost echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and flawless background, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a significant actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside 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 killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the full story of the events is still partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the key to who wins the global AI race.
The finest narratives
