Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories stands out. These accounts delve into multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
The Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It raises a pressing query: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent bitter controversy has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is this person really a new person, and what are the director's true motives?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest moments, individuals rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the highest echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has become a key force on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of what happened remains partially contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his life could improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could hold the answers to which nation wins the global AI race.
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