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Upon look back on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form stories emerges. These pieces delve into complex topics ranging from political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.

A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country

Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Although many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pressing query: Has the author become an supporter for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.

The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting bitter controversy has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A British Cult That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing extent of exploitation it had committed.

The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law

Many voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.

Shattering a Nation's Self-Image

A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks complex questions: Is this person truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?

A Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains

From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest hours, families turn to him to bring back order.

Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment end – until potentially now.

The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government

A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the very highest levels of the state.

An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side

With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get suspicious.

The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center

An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented project?

A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle

Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case

What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?

An End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.

The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of the events remains somewhat shrouded.

A "Master" of the Attention Economy

He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away huge amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution

As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his life might turn around. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.

The International AI Competition and a Crucial Move

In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may possess the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.

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