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Upon reflect on the previous year, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces emerges. These narratives delve into intricate topics including political machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.

The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on power. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent question: Has he become an apologist for the establishment?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may now get him killed.

The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the story of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The resulting intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.

The British Cult That Hid in the Open

One woman was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had carried out.

The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law

Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.

Shattering a Nation's Identity

A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?

The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains

From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, individuals rely on him to restore order.

Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable medical end – until potentially now.

The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of government.

The British Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.

A Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital

An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this ambitious role?

An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Extremely disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?

The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.

A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women

When details about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of what happened remains somewhat unclear.

The "Mozart" of the Attention Age

He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution

As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation could improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.

A International AI Race and a Key Defection

In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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