While we reflect on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form articles stands out. These pieces explore multifaceted topics ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human sagas.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on power. While several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It prompts a key query: Has he become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole route out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting heated argument has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking extent of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film following a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging moments, families turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent medical remedy – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology shape the very highest echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a key player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the full truth of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered huge amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the reality that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
