While we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional long-form stories emerges. Such pieces probe complex themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human sagas.
The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country
An author gained prominence in the nineties with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely changing the history of our human race. But, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling extent of abuse it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording asks complex questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest times, individuals rely on him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective treatment end – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a major actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the full nature of the procedures remains partially contested.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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