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Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of outstanding long-form stories emerges. These narratives delve into intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.

The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on power. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still move millions of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only path to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could still cost him his life.

A Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Origins

The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent heated argument has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.

The British Cult That Operated in the Open

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

The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law

Numerous voters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.

Challenging a Nation's Self-Image

A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is she really reformed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?

A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains

From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, families depend on him to bring back peace.

Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by restitution claims, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Condition

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical remedy – up until possibly now.

The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the uppermost echelons of government.

The British Professional With a Crooked Side

With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.

A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center

An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a key player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?

A Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry

Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?

An End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret

When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.

The Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers

When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.

A "Master" of the Online Age

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?

One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution

When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation might improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.

A International AI Race and a Pivotal Move

In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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