Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional long-form pieces emerges. These accounts delve into complex subjects ranging from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Nation
An author became known in the nineties with biting critiques on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. It raises a pertinent query: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path out of prison was to join the regime military. Following 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may still cost him his life.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting heated controversy has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented project?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
A International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he may possess the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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