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Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces shines. These narratives probe multifaceted subjects ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal sagas.

The Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Although many of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of books. This poses a key question: Has he become an supporter for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route to escape prison was to join the government military. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.

The Fierce Argument Over Our Earliest Origins

The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the story of our species. But, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent bitter controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.

A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of abuse it had perpetrated.

A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights

Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.

Breaking a Nation's Myth

A film following a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses complex queries: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?

The Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest times, individuals turn to him to bring back order.

Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment end – until perhaps now.

A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics

A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the uppermost echelons of the state.

The British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret

With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.

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

An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a key force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this ambitious role?

A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle

Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?

The End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret

When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.

The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of the procedures remains partially unclear.

The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas

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

A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution

When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation might improve. I was tragically mistaken.

The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move

In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might possess the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.

The most impactful narratives