As we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories shines. These accounts probe intricate themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on power. While several of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has he become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. However, a faction was convinced. The ensuing bitter argument has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the shocking scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest moments, people rely on him to restore order.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an consistent medical end – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of the events is still partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life could improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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