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While we consider the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories stands out. These accounts delve into complex themes including political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.

A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country

An author became known in the nineties with scathing satires on power. While several of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he still move millions of books. This poses a pertinent query: Has he turned into an defender for the establishment?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict

The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only way to escape prison was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.

The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the history of our species. However, a faction was convinced. The subsequent bitter controversy has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.

The UK Sect That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of abuse it had committed.

The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights

Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.

Breaking a Country's Self-Image

A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she really reformed, and is the director's own intentions?

A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals turn to him to bring back peace.

Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an effective treatment solution – until perhaps now.

The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the very highest echelons of the state.

An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret

With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.

The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital

An extremely rich country has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?

A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle

Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?

An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.

A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Women

When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of the events remains partially unclear.

A "Master" of the Attention Age

He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the possibility that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?

One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution

As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation could improve. I was tragically wrong.

A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection

In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the answers to who wins the global AI race.

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