While we look back on the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories stands out. Such accounts delve into intricate topics ranging from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
A Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he still sell millions of copies. It poses a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way out of prison was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the history of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest moments, people turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become wary.
The Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy country has become a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the reality that their islands may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his life might improve. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the key to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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