As we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional long-form stories shines. Such narratives probe intricate themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author became known in the 1990s with scathing satires on power. Whereas many of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. This prompts a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still cost him his life.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically changing the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense argument has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Curious Record on International Law
Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is this person truly changed, and what are the director's true methods?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, families turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an consistent medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the uppermost levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely rich country has risen as a key force on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of the events remains somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life could turn around. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
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