As we reflect on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories emerges. These narratives delve into multifaceted subjects including political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
A Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Country
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of copies. It raises a pressing question: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may now cost him his life.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the story of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent bitter controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
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 uncover the shocking extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous voters expected that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's true methods?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest times, individuals rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent medical solution – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of the events remains partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation could change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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