While we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories emerges. Such accounts probe intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on autocratic rule. While many of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. It raises a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole path out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could still get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking extent of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is she really a new person, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest moments, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an effective medical solution – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the very highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely rich country has transformed into a significant force on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the full story of the events is still partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation might turn around. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
