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While we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form pieces emerges. These pieces delve into complex subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.

A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Although many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of copies. It raises a pressing question: Has the author become an defender for the regime?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict

The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.

The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins

The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely rewriting the story of our human race. But, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.

The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open

One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing extent of abuse it had committed.

A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law

Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously mixed.

Shattering a Nation's Self-Image

A film following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is this person really changed, and is the director's own intentions?

A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals turn to him to restore peace.

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

Beset 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 challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical end – up until potentially now.

A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics

A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the highest echelons of government.

The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side

With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become suspicious.

A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center

An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a key force on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented project?

An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?

The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.

The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women

When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full truth of what happened remains partially shrouded.

A "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?

Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the prospect that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to go?

One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness

When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation could improve. I was tragically mistaken.

A International AI Competition and a Key Move

In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.

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