As we consider the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable long-form stories emerges. These accounts probe complex subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. While many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still move millions of books. It prompts a pertinent query: Has he turned into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as completely changing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent bitter argument has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest times, families rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the uppermost levels of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich country has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial 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 newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life could turn around. I was tragically mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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