As we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. These pieces explore multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the nineties with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still move millions of books. This poses a key query: Has he become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only way to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our species. But, not everyone was convinced. The resulting bitter argument has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing scale of abuse it had committed.
The Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film following a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person really reformed, and is the director's true intentions?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, people turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment end – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a significant force on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life might improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
The finest narratives
