While we reflect on the past year, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces stands out. Such narratives explore intricate themes ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
The Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author became known in the nineties with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of books. This poses a pressing question: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path to escape prison was to join the government military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still get him killed.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our human race. However, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest times, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the very highest echelons of government.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become uneasy.
A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of the events remains somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could possess the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
The best narratives
