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While we reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories emerges. Such pieces probe intricate themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.

The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation

An author gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. While several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he still sell millions of books. It raises a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the establishment?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path to escape prison was to join the government military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may now cost him his life.

The Bitter Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.

A British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing extent of abuse it had carried out.

The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law

Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.

Shattering a Country's Myth

A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is she genuinely changed, and is the director's own methods?

A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes

From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical solution – until potentially now.

A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government

A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of the state.

The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become wary.

The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital

An extremely wealthy country has become a significant force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?

A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Summitry

Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Story

How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?

The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret

When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.

The Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women

When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.

The "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the possibility that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?

One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution

When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life could improve. I was sadly mistaken.

The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection

In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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