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Upon consider the previous year, a selection of remarkable long-form stories shines. These pieces delve into multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal journeys.

The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country

An author gained prominence in the nineties with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Although several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has he turned into an supporter for the regime?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the regime military. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may still cost him his life.

The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely re-writing the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The resulting heated argument has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.

The UK Sect That Operated in the Open

One woman was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking extent of exploitation it had carried out.

A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights

Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been curiously mixed.

Shattering a Nation's Self-Image

A film tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the director's own intentions?

The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, people rely on him to restore order.

Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?

More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Condition

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical solution – up until perhaps now.

The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest echelons of government.

The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his sharp intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get suspicious.

The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Center

An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious role?

A Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle

Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story

What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?

The End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning

When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unexpected.

The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of the events remains somewhat shrouded.

The "Master" of the Attention Economy

He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: To where are they going to go?

A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution

As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation could improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.

A International AI Competition and a Key Defection

In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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