Upon look back on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional long-form stories stands out. These narratives explore multifaceted subjects from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
The Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still move millions of copies. This poses a pertinent query: Has he turned into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only way out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the history of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting intense argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the director's true methods?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest moments, families rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective medical remedy – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become wary.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a key force on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts 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 betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of the events is still somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation could change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
