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As we look back on the past year, a curated list of exceptional in-depth stories stands out. These accounts delve into complex topics including political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.

A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country

A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with biting satires on power. Although many of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It raises a key question: Has the author become an defender for the regime?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may still cost him his life.

A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely changing the history of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting intense scholarly debate has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.

The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of abuse it had perpetrated.

A Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights

Many voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.

Challenging a Nation's Identity

A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?

A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes

From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging times, people depend on him to restore order.

Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Condition

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical solution – until possibly now.

The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the uppermost levels of the state.

The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret

With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become wary.

A Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub

An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?

A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.

During the Trial of a Tragic Case

How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?

An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning

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

A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women

When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat contested.

A "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?

One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution

When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life might turn around. I was sadly mistaken.

The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection

In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.

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