As we look back on the past year, a assortment of exceptional long-form stories shines. These narratives probe intricate themes including political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.
The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on power. Although several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only route out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent bitter argument has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult queries: Is this person truly changed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective medical end – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has become a key actor on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of the events is still somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and given away vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation might improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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