While we look back on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories emerges. These accounts explore multifaceted themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human journeys.
A Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the nineties with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might still cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically changing the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent intense argument has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing extent of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises complex queries: Is this person really a new person, and what are the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, families rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical solution – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the uppermost levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a key force on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this ambitious project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered vast sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the possibility that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his situation could turn around. I was sadly misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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