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While we look back on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable long-form articles stands out. Such pieces delve into multifaceted themes including geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.

The Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country

An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. It prompts a key query: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War

The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole path out of incarceration was to join the regime military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters might still get him killed.

A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Origins

The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent bitter argument has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.

A British Sect That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing scale of abuse it had carried out.

The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law

Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.

Breaking a Country's Self-Image

A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is she really changed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?

A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains

From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, families turn to him to restore peace.

Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective medical solution – up until potentially now.

The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of the state.

An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.

The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital

An incredibly rich country has become a major player on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?

An Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle

Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain 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

What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?

The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.

The Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women

When information about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full truth of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.

A "Master" of the Attention Economy

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas

With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution

When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life might improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.

The Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection

In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might possess the answers to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.

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