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Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces emerges. These narratives explore intricate subjects including political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.

A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country

An author became known in the nineties with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. It prompts a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the regime?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War

The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole path to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.

A Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the story of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing heated argument has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.

A UK Sect That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.

A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law

Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.

Challenging a Country's Self-Image

A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is she really reformed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?

A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to bring back peace.

Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Condition

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an effective treatment remedy – up until possibly now.

A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the very highest levels of government.

An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his brilliant intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become wary.

The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital

An incredibly rich country has become a major player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this ambitious project?

A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry

Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story

What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?

An End of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret

When actions 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 letdown was far from unexpected.

A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers

When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the full nature of the events is still somewhat unclear.

A "Genius" of the Attention Economy

He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?

Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?

A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution

When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his life could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly wrong.

A International AI Race and a Pivotal Defection

In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.

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