As we reflect on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories emerges. These accounts probe intricate themes including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
A Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Nation
An author became known in the nineties with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It raises a pertinent query: Has he turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape prison was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent heated argument has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's own methods?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging hours, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment remedy – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest levels of government.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get suspicious.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a significant actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of the events is still partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life could improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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