While we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding long-form stories shines. Such accounts explore complex topics including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing satires on power. Although numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling scale of exploitation it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's true intentions?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest moments, families depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an effective medical solution – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a major player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life could improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful journalism
