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Upon reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional in-depth pieces shines. Such pieces probe intricate topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.

The Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Country

An author gained prominence in the nineties with biting satires on autocratic rule. While many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. It prompts a key question: Has he become an supporter for the regime?

Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War

The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the government military. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still cost him his life.

The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.

The British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.

The Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law

A great many followers expected that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.

Breaking a Nation's Myth

A film tracking a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is this person truly changed, and is the director's true methods?

A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains

From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest times, people depend on him to restore normalcy.

Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – up until perhaps now.

A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings shape the very highest levels of government.

An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side

With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.

A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center

An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious project?

An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Summitry

Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Case

How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?

An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret

When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.

The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women

When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise truth of the events is still somewhat unclear.

A "Master" of the Online Economy

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they going to relocate?

One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness

When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.

The International AI Race and a Key Move

In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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