While we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional in-depth stories stands out. Such pieces probe intricate topics from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human sagas.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the nineties with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pressing question: Has the author become an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape prison was to join the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing intense controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is she really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical end – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
The Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a key player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family 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 Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact story of the procedures is still partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away huge amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A International AI Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to who wins the global technological rivalry.
The best journalism