Upon reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. Such accounts probe intricate subjects from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
The Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Country
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. Although many of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This poses a pressing question: Has he become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely rewriting the story of our species. However, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling extent of abuse it had committed.
A Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical solution – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the very highest levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get wary.
The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich country has become a key actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the full story of the procedures is still partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life might change for the better. I was tragically misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might hold the key to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
