As we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. These accounts probe complex topics from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
A Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on power. While many of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still move millions of copies. This raises a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could now get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically rewriting the history of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing heated controversy has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Many followers anticipated that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the director's own motives?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, people depend on him to restore order.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment solution – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the very highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full truth of the events is still partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life could turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the answers to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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