As we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories stands out. Such accounts explore multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
A Puzzling Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Although many of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still move millions of copies. It prompts a key question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our species. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter argument has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many followers anticipated that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is this person really reformed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging moments, families depend on him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the uppermost levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich country has transformed into a major force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the full truth of the procedures remains partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might improve. I was devastatingly wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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