Upon reflect on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding long-form stories shines. These narratives probe complex subjects including political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
An author became known in the nineties with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could now get him killed.
The Bitter Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent intense argument has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film following a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she truly a new person, and is the director's own methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to restore peace.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical solution – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely rich country has become a significant force on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, 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 Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.
The finest narratives
