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While we reflect on the previous year, a selection of remarkable in-depth stories emerges. Such pieces explore multifaceted subjects including political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.

The Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Country

An author became known in the nineties with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of copies. It prompts a key question: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War

The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only route out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now get him killed.

The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as radically changing the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter controversy has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.

A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking scale of exploitation it had carried out.

The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law

A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably mixed.

Breaking a Country's Identity

A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?

The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes

From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?

More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical end – until possibly now.

A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the uppermost levels of the state.

An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side

With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become wary.

A Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Center

An extremely rich country has become a key force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this unprecedented project?

An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?

The End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.

The Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Mothers

When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full truth of what happened is still somewhat unclear.

A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy

He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and given away huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?

A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution

When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life might change for the better. I was tragically misplaced.

A Global AI Competition and a Key Move

In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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