As we consider the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional long-form pieces stands out. Such narratives delve into multifaceted topics from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country
An author rose to fame in the nineties with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. This raises a pertinent query: Has the author become an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now get him killed.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent heated controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, people turn to him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent medical solution – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and sterling reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a major force on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this ambitious role?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his life could change for the better. That hope was tragically mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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