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Upon look back on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form pieces shines. These narratives delve into complex subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.

The Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on power. While several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a key question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the establishment?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict

The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only route out of prison was to join the government forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still cost him his life.

The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins

The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.

The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing scale of abuse it had carried out.

A Leader's Curious Stance on International Law

Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.

Breaking a Country's Myth

A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?

The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains

From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical remedy – until potentially now.

The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the highest echelons of the state.

The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret

With his sharp mind and flawless background, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become suspicious.

A Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center

An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this ambitious project?

An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry

Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.

During the Trial of a Tragic Story

What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?

The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret

When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.

The Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women

When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the precise truth of what happened remains partially shrouded.

A "Mozart" of the Attention Age

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the reality that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness

When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might turn around. That hope was devastatingly wrong.

The International AI Race and a Key Defection

In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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