As we consider the past year, a selection of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. Such accounts delve into multifaceted themes from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Although several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he still sell millions of books. It raises a key query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of prison was to join the government forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the history of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, people depend on him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable medical end – until possibly now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas influence the very highest echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of the events is still partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the prospect that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation might improve. I was sadly misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The finest stories
