Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories emerges. These narratives delve into complex themes from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with biting satires on power. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still sell millions of copies. It prompts a pressing query: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still cost him his life.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the history of our species. But, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, people rely on him to restore order.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy country has become a significant force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise story of the procedures remains somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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