While we consider the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories stands out. Such narratives explore complex topics including geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pertinent question: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent bitter controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling breadth of exploitation it had committed.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment remedy – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become wary.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a key player on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full nature of what happened remains partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the prospect that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life might improve. I was tragically misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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