Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of remarkable long-form stories emerges. These pieces probe multifaceted topics from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on power. Although several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. It raises a pertinent query: Has he turned into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape prison was to join the government forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as completely rewriting the story of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks complex questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the director's true motives?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a significant force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the full story of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation could improve. I was tragically misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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