As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of remarkable long-form stories shines. These accounts delve into multifaceted themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a key query: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still cost him his life.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. However, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing intense controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she really reformed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a major player on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his life might improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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