As we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces emerges. These narratives probe complex themes including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This poses a key query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely rewriting the story of our human race. But, some scholars was convinced. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses complex questions: Is this person truly reformed, and is the director's true methods?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, families rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment end – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest levels of government.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a major force on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full truth of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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