As we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories emerges. Such pieces explore complex topics from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on power. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a key question: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. However, some scholars was convinced. The resulting bitter controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest hours, families turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical end – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the highest echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become uneasy.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a key force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the exact nature of the events remains somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and given away huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation could turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal 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 may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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