Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories emerges. Such pieces probe multifaceted subjects ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. This poses a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path to escape prison was to join the government forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could still cost him his life.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the history of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing heated argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the highest levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become wary.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a key force on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the full story of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life could change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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