While we consider the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. These pieces delve into intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Country
An author became known in the nineties with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Although many of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a pressing question: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route out of prison was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now get him killed.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the story of our human race. But, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting heated controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, families depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical solution – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a major force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise truth of the events remains partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation might improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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