Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of remarkable long-form stories emerges. Such pieces probe complex subjects from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on power. While several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It raises a pertinent query: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as radically rewriting the history of our human race. But, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing bitter argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is this person really reformed, and is the director's true intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the very highest levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a significant actor on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up 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 leader most equipped to manage a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of what happened is still partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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