Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories stands out. These pieces delve into multifaceted themes ranging from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. It raises a pressing question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent heated argument has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling scale of exploitation it had committed.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is she truly changed, and is the director's true methods?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical end – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become uneasy.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy country has become a significant player on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of what happened remains partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could possess the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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