Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories emerges. Such pieces delve into complex subjects from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal stories.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This prompts a pressing question: Has he become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the government forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting intense controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing extent of abuse it had committed.
A Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's own intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging times, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an effective medical remedy – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the reality that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his situation might turn around. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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