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As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of remarkable long-form stories emerges. Such accounts probe multifaceted themes from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.

A Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country

A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. While several of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.

The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent heated controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.

A UK Sect That Hid in the Open

Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of mistreatment it had carried out.

A Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights

A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.

Challenging a Country's Myth

A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the director's own motives?

The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains

From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest moments, people turn to him to bring back peace.

Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?

More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Condition

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

A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics

A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas shape the highest levels of government.

An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side

With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get suspicious.

A Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Center

An extremely rich country has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?

A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle

Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case

What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?

An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.

A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers

When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact truth of the events remains somewhat unclear.

A "Master" of the Attention Economy

He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring genius?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they going to go?

One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness

When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation might change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.

The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move

In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.

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