While we reflect on the previous year, a selection of remarkable long-form stories emerges. Such narratives explore multifaceted topics including political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Although several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This poses a pressing question: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent heated controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing extent of exploitation it had committed.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical end – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the full story of the events is still somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the reality that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life might change for the better. I was sadly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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