Upon look back on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories stands out. Such narratives delve into multifaceted themes from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. While several of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a key query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The resulting intense argument has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging times, families rely on him to restore order.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical remedy – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the highest echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get wary.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise nature of what happened is still partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life might turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the key to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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