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While we reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth stories stands out. Such accounts delve into intricate subjects from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.

A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. While several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he still move millions of books. It poses a key query: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole path to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now cost him his life.

The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.

A British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight

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

A Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law

Many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably mixed.

Breaking a Country's Myth

A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?

The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains

From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, families rely on him to restore order.

Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by restitution claims, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Condition

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical remedy – until potentially now.

The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of the state.

An British Professional With a Dishonest Side

With his brilliant mind and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become suspicious.

A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a significant player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?

An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry

Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.

During the Trial of a Tragic Story

How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?

The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.

A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of what happened is still partially unclear.

A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?

Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?

A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness

When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation could improve. I was sadly mistaken.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move

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

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