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While we look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form stories emerges. Such accounts delve into complex themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.

The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Country

An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Although many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pertinent query: Has the author become an apologist for the regime?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still get him killed.

A Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins

The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent bitter argument has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.

The UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking scale of exploitation it had carried out.

The Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights

A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.

Challenging a Nation's Myth

A film following a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is this person really changed, and is the director's own motives?

The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains

From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, families turn to him to bring back order.

Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by restitution claims, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until possibly now.

A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics

A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of government.

An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side

With his brilliant mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get uneasy.

A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital

An incredibly wealthy country has become a key force on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?

An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry

Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?

The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret

When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.

The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the exact nature of the events remains partially contested.

A "Mozart" of the Attention Age

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution

As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life might turn around. I was tragically misplaced.

A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection

In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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