While we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form stories shines. These narratives explore intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pressing question: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the story of our species. However, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Hid 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 uncover the disturbing extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their darkest moments, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical remedy – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the uppermost levels of government.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get wary.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a significant force on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of what happened remains partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might improve. I was sadly misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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