As we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional long-form stories stands out. These accounts explore intricate themes from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the nineties with sharp satires on power. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still move millions of copies. This prompts a pertinent query: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as completely changing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting intense argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is she truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become uneasy.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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