While we consider the previous year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth stories shines. These narratives explore intricate themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author became known in the nineties with scathing critiques on power. While numerous of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It raises a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the story of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent intense argument has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of exploitation it had committed.
A Leader's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging hours, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of the events is still partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life could improve. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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