As we look back on the previous year, a selection of remarkable long-form stories emerges. These narratives probe complex topics from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on power. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as radically rewriting the history of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent intense argument has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an reliable treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas shape the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a major force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of the procedures is still partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation could change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.
The International AI Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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