Upon consider the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form stories stands out. These accounts probe intricate subjects ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with scathing commentaries on power. While several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. It poses a key question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path out of incarceration was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The subsequent bitter argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's true intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging times, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a key player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the full story of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation might change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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