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As we look back on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional in-depth stories shines. Such pieces explore multifaceted themes including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.

A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

An author became known in the nineties with sharp commentaries on power. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This poses a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the regime?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War

The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might still cost him his life.

A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling scale of abuse it had perpetrated.

A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law

A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.

Breaking a Nation's Identity

A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is this person really changed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?

A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains

From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, families turn to him to bring back peace.

Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?

More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective treatment solution – until potentially now.

A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of government.

An British Gentleman With a Crooked Side

With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.

The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center

An extremely wealthy country has become a key actor on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented project?

An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry

Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?

An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.

A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of what happened remains partially shrouded.

The "Master" of the Online Age

He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?

One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness

As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation might improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.

The International AI Race and a Pivotal Move

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the secret to who prevails in the global AI race.

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