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Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable long-form articles shines. Such narratives explore intricate topics from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.

A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on power. Although many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still move millions of copies. This prompts a key query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict

The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may still get him killed.

A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins

The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.

The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of abuse it had carried out.

The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights

A great many supporters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.

Challenging a Nation's Identity

A film following a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?

A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes

From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, individuals turn to him to restore order.

Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an effective medical remedy – up until potentially now.

A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government

A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of the state.

An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret

With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.

The Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Hub

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a key actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?

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

Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Case

How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?

The End of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.

The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women

When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of the events is still partially unclear.

A "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?

A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution

When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life could turn around. I was tragically misplaced.

The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection

In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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