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While we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories shines. Such narratives explore complex themes including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal stories.

A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country

An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting satires on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he still sell millions of copies. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict

The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still get him killed.

The Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins

The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as completely rewriting the history of our species. But, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.

The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking extent of exploitation it had carried out.

A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights

Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.

Breaking a Country's Self-Image

A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's own intentions?

The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains

From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to restore normalcy.

Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition

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 medical end – up until potentially now.

The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics

A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the very highest levels of government.

An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret

With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become uneasy.

A Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Center

An extremely rich country has transformed into a key player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?

A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry

Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.

During the Trial of a Tragic Story

How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?

An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.

A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women

When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the full story of the events remains somewhat unclear.

A "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?

One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution

When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation might improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.

The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move

In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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