As we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding long-form stories shines. Such narratives explore multifaceted topics ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.
A Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on power. Although several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. It raises a key query: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's true motives?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment end – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas shape the highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of what happened is still partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life could turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might hold the key to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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