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Upon look back on the past year, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories stands out. Such accounts delve into multifaceted themes including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.

A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

An author became known in the 1990s with scathing satires on power. While many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. This raises a key query: Has he evolved into an defender for the establishment?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict

The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only way out of prison was to join the regime military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still cost him his life.

The Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The ensuing intense argument has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.

The British Sect That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.

A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights

Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.

Challenging a Country's Self-Image

A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is this person truly changed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?

The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to restore normalcy.

Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment remedy – up until potentially now.

The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the highest echelons of government.

An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side

With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.

A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Hub

An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a major player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious role?

An Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry

Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?

The End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.

A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women

When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the precise truth of the events remains partially shrouded.

The "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution

As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life could turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection

In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.

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