As we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional long-form stories emerges. These pieces explore intricate subjects including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This poses a pressing question: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely re-writing the story of our species. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent intense controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to international law. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is she really a new person, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, people turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent medical end – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a significant actor on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the full story of the events is still partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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