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Upon look back on the past year, a curated list of remarkable in-depth stories stands out. These pieces delve into multifaceted subjects from political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.

A Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation

An author rose to fame in the 1990s with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still move millions of copies. This poses a pressing query: Has he become an defender for the regime?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War

The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only path out of prison was to join the government forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could now get him killed.

The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.

The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight

One woman was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.

A Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law

Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.

Shattering a Nation's Myth

A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is this person really changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?

The Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes

From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by restitution claims, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment end – until perhaps now.

The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of government.

An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side

With his brilliant mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become suspicious.

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

An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a significant actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?

An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle

Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?

An End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.

A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of the events is still somewhat shrouded.

A "Master" of the Attention Economy

He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?

One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution

When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life could change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.

A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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