While we consider the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form stories stands out. These pieces explore intricate subjects including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on power. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of books. This poses a pressing query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting intense controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing breadth of abuse it had carried out.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging times, people turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an effective medical end – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the precise story of the events is still partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life could turn around. I was sadly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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