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Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form stories stands out. These narratives delve into multifaceted topics including geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.

A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation

An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War

The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route to escape prison was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still get him killed.

A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Origins

The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as radically changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent intense argument has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.

A UK Cult That Hid in the Open

One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing breadth of abuse it had carried out.

A Leader's Curious Record on International Law

Numerous voters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.

Shattering a Nation's Myth

A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the director's own intentions?

The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes

From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to restore order.

Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Condition

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment solution – until potentially now.

A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics

A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest levels of the state.

The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his keen mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become suspicious.

The Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Center

An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?

An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry

Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story

How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?

The End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.

The Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Mothers

When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat unclear.

A "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered vast sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the reality that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness

As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move

In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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