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As we reflect on the past year, a assortment of outstanding long-form stories emerges. These pieces delve into multifaceted subjects ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.

The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country

An author became known in the 1990s with scathing satires on power. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he still sell millions of copies. It prompts a key question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War

The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only way to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.

The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent bitter controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.

The British Sect That Hid in the Open

One woman was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of mistreatment it had committed.

A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law

Numerous voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been notably mixed.

Breaking a Nation's Self-Image

A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording poses complex queries: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's own intentions?

A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains

From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, families depend on him to restore order.

Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by restitution claims, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical end – up until perhaps now.

A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government

A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the uppermost levels of the state.

An British Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.

The Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub

An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a major force on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented role?

A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry

Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case

What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?

The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret

When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.

The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women

When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full truth of what happened is still somewhat unclear.

The "Master" of the Online Economy

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the possibility that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?

One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution

As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.

A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move

In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the secret to who wins the global AI race.

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