While we consider the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional long-form stories stands out. These pieces probe multifaceted subjects including political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on power. Whereas several of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he still sell millions of copies. It poses a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could now cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The subsequent heated controversy has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the very highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation could turn around. I was tragically mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the key to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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