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While we reflect on the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories stands out. These narratives explore complex themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal journeys.

The Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country

An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on authoritarianism. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It raises a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict

The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only path to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could now get him killed.

A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins

The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting heated controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.

The British Sect That Hid in the Open

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of abuse it had perpetrated.

The Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights

A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.

Breaking a Nation's Identity

A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is this person truly changed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?

The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes

From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest times, people turn to him to restore peace.

Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition

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

The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of the state.

The British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret

With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.

The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub

An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?

A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle

Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?

An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.

The Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Mothers

When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of the events remains somewhat shrouded.

A "Genius" of the Online Economy

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to go?

A Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness

When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life could turn around. I was tragically mistaken.

A Global AI Race and a Crucial Move

In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.

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