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While we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories stands out. These accounts delve into multifaceted topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.

The Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. While numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This raises a pertinent question: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape prison was to join the government military. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.

The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely changing the story of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.

The UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.

The Statesman's Unexpected Record on International Law

Many supporters expected that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.

Shattering a Country's Self-Image

A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is this person really reformed, and is the director's own intentions?

A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes

From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest moments, families depend on him to restore normalcy.

Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?

More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Condition

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment end – until potentially now.

The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of the state.

The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side

With his sharp intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.

A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this ambitious role?

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

Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Case

What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?

An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.

A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers

When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the exact nature of the procedures remains partially contested.

A "Genius" of the Attention Economy

He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?

A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution

As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation could change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.

The International AI Competition and a Crucial Move

In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the answers to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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