Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form articles stands out. Such accounts probe multifaceted themes ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
An author rose to fame in the nineties with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pressing query: Has the author turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the story of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of exploitation it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film following a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable medical solution – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the very highest levels of government.
The English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get suspicious.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the exact nature of what happened is still somewhat contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his life could improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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