As we look back on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form articles emerges. These accounts delve into complex topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
An author became known in the nineties with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It raises a key query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent heated controversy has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is this person truly changed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest times, families turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment end – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get uneasy.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of what happened is still partially contested.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his situation might improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might hold the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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