Upon reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional long-form stories shines. Such pieces probe multifaceted subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on power. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a key question: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only path out of prison was to join the government forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the history of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is this person really reformed, and is the director's own intentions?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical end – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a major force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact truth of the events is still partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their home may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life might improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to who wins the global AI race.
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