Upon look back on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional in-depth stories shines. Such narratives delve into complex topics from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.
A Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Country
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting satires on power. Although many of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move millions of copies. This raises a pertinent question: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape prison was to join the regime military. Following 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing bitter controversy has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she truly a new person, and is the director's true intentions?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, families turn to him to restore order.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment end – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the very highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this ambitious role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact story of the events remains partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation might turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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