Upon consider the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional in-depth pieces emerges. These accounts probe complex themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on power. Although numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pertinent question: Has he become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could now cost him his life.
A Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is this person really reformed, and what are the director's true motives?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest times, people turn to him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an consistent medical solution – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become uneasy.
A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy country has become a significant player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the exact nature of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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