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Upon reflect on the past year, a assortment of outstanding long-form stories shines. Such narratives explore multifaceted subjects including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.

The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Country

Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with scathing commentaries on power. While many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It raises a pressing question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War

The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still get him killed.

The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.

A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the shocking extent of exploitation it had carried out.

The Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights

A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.

Shattering a Country's Myth

A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is she truly changed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?

The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes

From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.

Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?

More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Condition

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective medical remedy – up until perhaps now.

A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics

A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest echelons of the state.

An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side

With his brilliant mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get uneasy.

The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center

An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?

A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle

Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Story

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

An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.

The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers

When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of the procedures is still partially contested.

A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy

He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean

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

One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness

As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation might turn around. I was devastatingly wrong.

A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection

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

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