Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories emerges. Such pieces explore multifaceted subjects from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Country
An author became known in the nineties with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. While several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This poses a key question: Has the author turned into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as completely rewriting the story of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting heated argument has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling extent of exploitation it had carried out.
A Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she really changed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, individuals turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get wary.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a significant force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life could turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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