While we consider the year gone by, a selection of exceptional in-depth pieces emerges. These accounts probe complex subjects ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. While many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the history of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking extent of abuse it had carried out.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's true motives?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective medical end – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get suspicious.
The Small State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy country has become a significant player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation might turn around. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
