Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories emerges. These narratives explore complex themes from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country
An author gained prominence in the nineties with biting satires on autocratic rule. Although several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. It raises a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent bitter controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the shocking extent of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the director's own methods?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging hours, families rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an effective medical remedy – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the highest levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation might turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
