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Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of remarkable long-form stories shines. Such pieces probe intricate subjects from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.

The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country

An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on autocratic rule. While many of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. This poses a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict

The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole route out of prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.

The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting intense controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.

The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had committed.

A Leader's Curious Record on International Law

Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.

Shattering a Nation's Self-Image

A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?

A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes

From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest times, families rely on him to restore order.

Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Condition

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment solution – up until possibly now.

A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government

A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the uppermost echelons of government.

An British Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.

The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub

An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a major player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented role?

A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry

Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?

The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.

The Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women

When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the exact truth of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.

A "Genius" of the Online Age

He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they going to relocate?

One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution

As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life might improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection

In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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