Upon look back on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces shines. Such narratives probe complex themes from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
An author rose to fame in the nineties with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he still move millions of books. It poses a pressing question: Has he become an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically rewriting the history of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is this person really reformed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment remedy – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology influence the highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of what happened is still partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered huge sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life might turn around. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
