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Upon consider the past year, a selection of remarkable long-form stories stands out. These narratives explore complex subjects from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human sagas.

A Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Country

An author became known in the 1990s with scathing critiques on power. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict

The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only route out of prison was to join the government forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now cost him his life.

A Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Origins

The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as radically rewriting the story of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent bitter controversy has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight

One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had committed.

The Leader's Curious Record on International Law

Many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.

Shattering a Country's Identity

A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?

A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to restore order.

Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?

Plagued by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective medical solution – up until possibly now.

A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics

A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas shape the very highest levels of the state.

An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become suspicious.

The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center

An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?

An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle

Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?

An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret

When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.

The Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women

When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of what happened is still partially contested.

A "Mozart" of the Online Economy

He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed vast amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness

When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his life could change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.

The International AI Competition and a Crucial Move

In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might possess the secret to who prevails in the global AI race.

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