Upon look back on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. These narratives probe multifaceted topics ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still move millions of copies. This prompts a key query: Has he turned into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only route out of prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the story of our human race. But, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous voters expected that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a significant force on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of the procedures is still partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life might turn around. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
