Upon reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories emerges. These narratives probe complex topics from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. While many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he still move vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent question: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent intense controversy has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is this person really changed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging moments, people depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment solution – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology shape the very highest echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a significant force on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could improve. I was tragically wrong.
A Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.
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