While we consider the past year, a assortment of outstanding long-form stories shines. Such accounts delve into complex subjects ranging from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on power. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of books. This poses a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording poses complex questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest moments, individuals rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective treatment end – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the highest echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a major player on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the possibility that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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