Upon consider the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form stories shines. These pieces probe complex topics including political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a key question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically rewriting the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing intense controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the director's true intentions?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging times, individuals rely on him to restore order.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment solution – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp intellect and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a major force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this unprecedented role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the exact truth of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation might change for the better. That hope was tragically wrong.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the secret to who prevails in the global AI race.
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