Upon look back on the past year, a curated list of exceptional long-form articles stands out. Such accounts delve into intricate themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country
An author became known in the 1990s with biting commentaries on power. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This prompts a pertinent query: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically re-writing the story of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The resulting intense argument has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's true methods?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging hours, individuals turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an consistent medical solution – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get wary.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a significant force on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this unprecedented project?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the full truth of the events remains somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away vast sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his life could turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
