Upon look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form stories shines. These narratives probe intricate subjects from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
A Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on power. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he still move millions of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the history of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent bitter argument has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is she truly reformed, and is the director's true intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their stickiest times, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent medical end – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a major player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the answers to who wins the global AI race.
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