As we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form pieces emerges. These accounts explore intricate topics including political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing satires on power. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a key query: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still cost him his life.
The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as completely re-writing the story of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent bitter argument has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of exploitation it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many followers hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she truly a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, people turn to him to restore order.
Will an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become suspicious.
A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a significant player on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this unprecedented project?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the precise nature of what happened is still partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might turn around. I was devastatingly wrong.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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