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While we look back on the past year, a assortment of outstanding in-depth pieces shines. These pieces explore multifaceted subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.

A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. This poses a key query: Has he turned into an supporter for the regime?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the government military. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still cost him his life.

The Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of exploitation it had carried out.

A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law

Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.

Breaking a Nation's Identity

A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?

A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains

From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals rely on him to restore peace.

Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?

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

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment end – up until potentially now.

The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the highest levels of government.

The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret

With his keen intellect and flawless credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become suspicious.

A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center

An extremely rich country has become a key player on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?

A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Battle

Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?

An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.

The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers

When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the full truth of the events is still partially unclear.

The "Master" of the Online Age

He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?

One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution

As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.

The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection

In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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