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As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces emerges. These pieces explore multifaceted topics including political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.

A Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Country

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp critiques on power. Although many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. This prompts a key question: Has he turned into an defender for the establishment?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now cost him his life.

A Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the story of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.

A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law

Many voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.

Shattering a Country's Myth

A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?

A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, people turn to him to restore normalcy.

Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment solution – until perhaps now.

A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the highest echelons of the state.

The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to get wary.

The Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub

An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this ambitious role?

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

Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?

An End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret

When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.

A Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers

When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of the events remains partially shrouded.

The "Genius" of the Online Economy

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?

A Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution

As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life could turn around. I was sadly misplaced.

The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move

In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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