Upon consider the past year, a assortment of outstanding long-form stories stands out. Such pieces explore multifaceted topics including political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting satires on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the country, he still move vast numbers of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting bitter argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, people turn to him to restore order.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get suspicious.
The Small State That Became the World's Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the precise story of the events remains partially shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his situation might change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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