Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of remarkable long-form articles shines. Such narratives explore complex topics including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the nineties with biting critiques on power. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move millions of copies. This prompts a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole route out of prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the narrative of our human race. But, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is this person truly changed, and what are the director's own motives?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging times, families rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – up until potentially now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get wary.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a key player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented role?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise story of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life might turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might possess the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
