As we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form pieces stands out. These narratives explore complex subjects from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
An author became known in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. While several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. This raises a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape prison was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording poses complex questions: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, people depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical solution – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the very highest echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get wary.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a key actor on the international scene, working to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the possibility that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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