While we consider the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form stories stands out. These accounts delve into intricate themes from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing critiques on power. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a key question: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's own intentions?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, people turn to him to restore order.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the highest levels of government.
An British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered 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 become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life might improve. I was tragically wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives