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As we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional in-depth stories shines. These pieces delve into multifaceted themes from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.

A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing satires on power. While several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. This poses a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict

The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still cost him his life.

A Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Origins

The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely changing the story of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.

The UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight

One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling breadth of exploitation it had committed.

The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights

Many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.

Breaking a Nation's Myth

A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?

A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes

From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to restore peace.

Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment end – up until perhaps now.

The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the uppermost echelons of government.

The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side

With his sharp mind and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get wary.

A Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub

An astonishingly rich country has risen as a significant force on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?

A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle

Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?

The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.

The Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Women

When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.

A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy

He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness

As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation might improve. I was tragically misplaced.

A International AI Race and a Crucial Move

In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to who wins the global AI race.

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