Upon consider the previous year, a curated list of exceptional long-form articles stands out. Such narratives explore multifaceted topics from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.
A Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole route to escape prison was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our species. But, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent heated controversy has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses complex questions: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their stickiest moments, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical solution – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the highest levels of government.
An British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and impeccable background, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a major actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this ambitious project?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise nature of the procedures remains somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered huge amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation might change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.
A Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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