While we look back on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories emerges. Such accounts probe complex topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human journeys.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting critiques on power. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he still move millions of copies. This poses a key query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole path to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the story of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she really reformed, and is the director's own methods?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, individuals rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an effective treatment end – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the uppermost levels of government.
The English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and sterling background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become uneasy.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich country has become a key player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full truth of the procedures is still partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his life could improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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