As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories shines. These narratives explore multifaceted themes from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
The Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Country
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp satires on autocratic rule. While several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. It poses a pertinent query: Has he turned into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may now get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically rewriting the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The resulting intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the director's true motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical remedy – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the very highest echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a key actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise story of the procedures remains partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his situation might change for the better. I was tragically misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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