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While we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. Such narratives probe intricate themes from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.

The Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Country

An author gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. It poses a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War

The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. Following 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.

A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Origins

The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The resulting heated argument has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.

A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight

One woman was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.

A Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law

Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been notably ambiguous.

Challenging a Nation's Identity

A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the director's true methods?

A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest moments, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?

Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent medical end – up until perhaps now.

The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics

A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the highest levels of the state.

An British Professional With a Crooked Side

With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get suspicious.

A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Capital

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?

A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Deeply disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Story

How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?

The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret

When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.

The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise story of the events is still partially unclear.

A "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?

A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness

When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might turn around. I was tragically misplaced.

The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the key to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.

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