While we consider the previous year, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories stands out. Such pieces delve into multifaceted topics from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with sharp satires on power. Whereas many of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell millions of books. This prompts a pertinent question: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route out of incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing heated controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is she really reformed, and is the director's own motives?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, individuals turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a major player on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life might turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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