Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of outstanding in-depth pieces shines. These narratives delve into multifaceted subjects including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
An author gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on power. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. It raises a key query: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape prison was to join the regime military. Following 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our human race. But, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting intense controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an consistent treatment end – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get uneasy.
A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a significant actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of what happened remains partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – 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 residents is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his life might change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
