As we reflect on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding long-form articles stands out. Such narratives explore multifaceted subjects from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with biting commentaries on power. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent question: Has he evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically changing the history of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest times, people rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of what happened is still partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life might improve. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the answers to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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