TOK: Faith
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Film hints at life under ‘merciless’ militants
The BBC has obtained new, secretly-filmed footage of life inside the city of Mosul, a year after it was invaded by so-called ‘Islamic State’. How can such a brutal regime last this long?
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Scandal-hit chief of world football to resign
Just four days after being elected for a fifth term as Fifa president, Sepp Blatter has resigned amid an FBI investigation. But in some parts of the world he is still respected and admired.
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Ireland poised to vote ‘yes’ to gay marriage
Tomorrow, Ireland could become the first country to approve gay marriage in a country-wide referendum. How important is legislation in the struggle for LGBT rights?
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Prince Charles’ lobbying letters exposed
After a long legal tussle, letters sent between Prince Charles and various government departments have finally been published. Should the prince be allowed to campaign for his pet causes?
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Fear and celebration at first ‘edited’ embryo
Chinese scientists have changed the genes of human embryos for the first time. Using the technique could lead to major advances in combating disease — but can it overcome ethical objections?
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Meditation therapy ‘as effective as drugs’
A new study suggests that the Buddhist-inspired practice of mindfulness is as effective as medication in treating depression. Do religious ideas have a place in modern medicine?
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‘Jesus’s burial cloth’ back on display
The Shroud of Turin will return to public display until June. The piece of cloth is believed to be the burial shroud of Jesus Christ, but some have cast doubts over its authenticity.
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British teenagers arrested en route to Syria
Turkey has intercepted three male teenagers on their way to join IS. Should we be sympathetic and try to re-integrate these people, or stand firm and punish their intentions?
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Jewels of ancient Iraq bulldozed by fanatics
The IS frenzy of destruction has claimed three remarkable ancient cities in Iraq, considered to be treasures of global heritage. Why are tyrannies so hostile to art and history?
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Beloved neuroscientist faces death head-on
Oliver Sacks has spent his life understanding neurological disorders, and as he faces death he talks of having a deeper grasp of living. Can we all experience this level of clarity?
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Iraq battles to end IS nightmare
Iraq has launched a major operation to recapture the city of Tikrit from IS. The tide seems to be turning against the Islamists, but can Iraq ever be a fully functioning nation?
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Fears for future of Syria-bound schoolgirls
Three schoolgirls travel to Syria to join the so-called Islamic State. But are the women accomplices to a vicious terror group, or victims of its pernicious propaganda?
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Football world disowns racist Chelsea fans
A group of Chelsea fans who were caught on camera racially abusing a stranger on the Parisian metro have been tracked down by fellow supporters. Is sport the problem or part of the solution?
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Democracy on the line in Africa’s great power
Nigerians have been told to wait six weeks for their election due to terror threats. But can the military possibly achieve in six weeks what it has tried and failed to do for six years?
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Japan ‘heartbroken’ after hostage beheaded
The Japanese prime minister has vowed 'never to forgive’ the Islamic State militants who killed two hostages, leaving the country in shock. Who are these murderers? And what motivates them?