Upon look back on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form articles emerges. These narratives delve into intricate themes including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
A Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pressing question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may now get him killed.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the story of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing bitter controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is she truly a new person, and is the director's true methods?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a major player on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of the events remains somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation could improve. That hope was sadly wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives