As we consider the previous year, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories shines. These accounts delve into multifaceted themes including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he still sell millions of books. It raises a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent intense argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Curious Stance on International Law
A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she truly changed, and what are the director's own methods?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest times, people turn to him to restore order.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment remedy – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a key force on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation might turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the answers to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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