As we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable long-form stories emerges. These pieces delve into intricate themes including political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Although several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. This raises a key question: Has the author turned into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could now get him killed.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was persuaded. The resulting heated argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's true methods?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, families turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective treatment end – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become wary.
A Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a significant actor on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the exact truth of the events is still partially contested.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life could change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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