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As we reflect on the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form articles shines. These pieces delve into multifaceted subjects from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.

A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country

An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. It prompts a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the establishment?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict

The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.

The Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the story of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing bitter controversy has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.

The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open

One woman was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the disturbing scale of abuse it had carried out.

The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights

Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.

Shattering a Country's Myth

A documentary following a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's true motives?

A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes

From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest times, individuals rely on him to restore order.

Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Plagued by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?

More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – up until potentially now.

The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the very highest levels of government.

The British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his brilliant mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become suspicious.

The Small Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital

An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a significant player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented project?

An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry

Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?

The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.

The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the precise story of what happened remains partially shrouded.

The "Mozart" of the Online Economy

He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness

When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation could change for the better. That hope was tragically mistaken.

The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection

In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might hold the key to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.

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