Upon look back on the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces stands out. Such accounts delve into complex themes including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply human sagas.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the nineties with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a pressing query: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film following a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's own methods?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals rely on him to bring back order.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has become a key force on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of the procedures is still partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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