As we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories emerges. Such narratives probe intricate topics including political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with biting critiques on power. While numerous of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The resulting intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and what are the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a major force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the events is still somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his life might turn around. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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