As we reflect on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories stands out. Such accounts delve into multifaceted themes including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with sharp satires on power. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. It prompts a key question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still get him killed.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically rewriting the history of our human race. However, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent heated controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Curious Stance on International Law
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the director's true methods?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging times, individuals turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an consistent medical end – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp intellect and impeccable background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get wary.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An extremely rich country has become a significant force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full nature of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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