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Upon look back on the past year, a curated list of remarkable long-form stories stands out. These accounts probe multifaceted themes from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.

A Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Country

An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on power. Although several of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It prompts a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the establishment?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole path to escape prison was to join the government military. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.

The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.

The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing extent of abuse it had perpetrated.

The Leader's Curious Record on International Law

Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.

Challenging a Country's Self-Image

A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is this person really a new person, and is the filmmaker's own motives?

The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains

From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment solution – until potentially now.

A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology influence the highest echelons of the state.

The British Professional With a Dishonest Side

With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become suspicious.

A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub

An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a key force on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?

An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle

Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?

The End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret

When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.

The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women

When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of what happened remains somewhat contested.

The "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?

A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness

As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation could change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.

A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move

In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he might hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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