Upon consider the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. These pieces probe complex subjects ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. This prompts a pertinent question: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting intense controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the director's own methods?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging hours, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment end – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has become a key actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious role?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the full story of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their islands may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his situation could change for the better. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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