While we look back on the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form articles stands out. These narratives probe intricate subjects including political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. This raises a key query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only path out of prison was to join the government forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may still cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the history of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing intense controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many followers expected that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent medical remedy – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the highest echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to get wary.
The Small State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a major player on the international scene, working to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of the events remains partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life could change for the better. I was sadly wrong.
A Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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