Upon consider the year gone by, a selection of remarkable in-depth pieces shines. Such narratives delve into multifaceted subjects including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he still sell millions of copies. It prompts a pertinent query: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only route out of prison was to join the government forces. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The resulting intense controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group 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 uncover the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording poses complex queries: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest times, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable medical remedy – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the highest levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the full nature of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation might improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest stories
