Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form stories stands out. Such pieces probe complex subjects from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author rose to fame in the nineties with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. It poses a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way out of prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the story of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing intense controversy has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film following a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical solution – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get wary.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has become a significant actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the full nature of the events remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the secret to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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