Upon consider the previous year, a selection of outstanding in-depth pieces stands out. These narratives explore complex themes including political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author became known in the nineties with biting satires on power. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It raises a pertinent question: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting bitter argument has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks complex questions: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, individuals depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical solution – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of the events is still partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life could turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
The finest narratives
