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While we consider the previous year, a assortment of remarkable long-form pieces emerges. These narratives delve into intricate themes including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.

A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. Although several of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he still move millions of books. It raises a pertinent query: Has he become an supporter for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict

The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still get him killed.

A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely re-writing the story of our human race. However, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent intense controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.

The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.

A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law

Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.

Shattering a Country's Self-Image

A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person truly a new person, and is the director's own intentions?

The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes

From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, people depend on him to bring back peace.

Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Condition

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical end – until perhaps now.

A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics

A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest levels of the state.

The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become suspicious.

A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Hub

An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a major force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?

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

Extremely disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?

An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.

The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers

When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the precise nature of the procedures is still somewhat contested.

A "Master" of the Attention Economy

He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?

Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the prospect that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?

One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness

As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his life could change for the better. That hope was tragically misplaced.

The Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move

In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

The most impactful narratives