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As we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding in-depth pieces emerges. These accounts delve into multifaceted themes including political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal journeys.

A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country

An author gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp critiques on power. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War

The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.

The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically re-writing the story of our species. But, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.

A UK Sect That Hid in the Open

One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling extent of abuse it had carried out.

The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights

Numerous voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.

Shattering a Country's Self-Image

A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is she really reformed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?

A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their most challenging hours, families turn to him to restore normalcy.

Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment end – until potentially now.

A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the highest levels of government.

An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side

With his keen intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get wary.

A Small State That Became the World's Mediation Center

An astonishingly wealthy country has become a key player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented project?

A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle

Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?

An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning

When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.

The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers

When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the full truth of the procedures remains somewhat contested.

A "Master" of the Online Age

He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to go?

One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution

When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.

The Global AI Race and a Key Move

In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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