Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of outstanding long-form stories emerges. These narratives delve into complex themes ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting critiques on autocratic rule. While numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pressing question: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters hoped that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, families turn to him to restore peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment end – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major player on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts 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 latest letdown was not unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact nature of the events is still somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could improve. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may hold the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
