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While we consider the previous year, a curated list of exceptional long-form stories stands out. Such accounts delve into multifaceted themes including geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.

The Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Nation

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on power. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he still move millions of books. This poses a pressing query: Has he become an apologist for the regime?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict

The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the government military. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could still get him killed.

A Bitter Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the history of our species. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking extent of abuse it had carried out.

A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights

A great many voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.

Breaking a Country's Self-Image

A film following a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the director's own motives?

A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their most challenging hours, people depend on him to restore order.

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

Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable medical remedy – up until possibly now.

The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the highest levels of government.

The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his brilliant intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get uneasy.

A Small State That Became the World's Mediation Center

An incredibly rich country has become a significant force on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?

An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry

Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?

An End of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret

When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.

A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers

When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise nature of the procedures remains partially unclear.

The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the reality that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to go?

A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness

As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation might change for the better. I was sadly wrong.

A International AI Competition and a Crucial Move

In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the answers to who wins the global AI race.

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