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Upon look back on the past year, a selection of exceptional in-depth pieces stands out. These narratives probe intricate topics from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.

The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Country

A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Although several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent question: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?

Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.

The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Origins

The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.

A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of exploitation it had carried out.

The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights

Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.

Shattering a Country's Identity

A film following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person truly changed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?

A Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes

From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, people turn to him to restore order.

Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Burdened by restitution claims, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy

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

The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the very highest echelons of the state.

The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret

With his sharp mind and sterling background, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get wary.

A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub

An astonishingly wealthy country has become a key force on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?

An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Story

How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?

An End of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.

A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Women

When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise truth of the procedures is still partially shrouded.

The "Master" of the Online Age

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?

One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness

When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.

The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the answers to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.

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