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As we consider the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form stories emerges. These narratives probe intricate subjects including political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.

The Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he still move millions of books. It raises a pressing query: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict

The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.

A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins

The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.

The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking scale of mistreatment it had carried out.

The Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights

Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.

Challenging a Country's Myth

A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she really reformed, and is the director's true methods?

The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging moments, families rely on him to restore peace.

Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment remedy – until potentially now.

The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government

A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the highest echelons of government.

The British Professional With a Crooked Secret

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

The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub

An extremely wealthy country has become a key player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?

An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

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

An End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.

A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Women

When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of the events remains somewhat shrouded.

A "Master" of the Online Economy

He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring genius?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness

As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his situation could improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.

A International AI Race and a Key Defection

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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