🔗 Share this article

As we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. Such narratives delve into multifaceted topics ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal journeys.

The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

An author gained prominence in the nineties with biting critiques on power. While many of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict

The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route out of prison was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.

A Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the story of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The resulting bitter controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight

One woman was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking extent of mistreatment it had carried out.

A Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights

Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.

Breaking a Nation's Self-Image

A film following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is this person truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?

A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.

Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable medical solution – up until perhaps now.

The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics

A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of government.

An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret

With his sharp mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become wary.

The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub

An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a significant actor on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this ambitious project?

An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry

Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.

During the Trial of a Tragic Case

What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?

The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret

When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.

A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women

When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact story of the events remains partially unclear.

A "Master" of the Online Economy

He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the possibility that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?

A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution

When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his life might improve. That hope was tragically mistaken.

The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection

In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.

The finest narratives