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While we reflect on the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces shines. Such narratives explore multifaceted subjects including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.

A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country

An author became known in the 1990s with scathing critiques on power. While several of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of books. This poses a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the establishment?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict

The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now cost him his life.

A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the story of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.

A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.

The Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law

Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been notably mixed.

Shattering a Country's Myth

A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the director's own intentions?

A Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, families rely on him to restore order.

Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective treatment remedy – until possibly now.

The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology influence the highest levels of government.

The British Professional With a Crooked Side

With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.

The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center

An astonishingly rich country has risen as a key force on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this unprecedented project?

An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.

Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?

The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unexpected.

The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women

When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the full story of what happened remains partially shrouded.

The "Master" of the Online Economy

He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their home may in the near future be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?

A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution

When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life might turn around. I was sadly misplaced.

A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.

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