Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form articles stands out. Such pieces delve into complex subjects from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply human sagas.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author became known in the 1990s with biting critiques on power. Although numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. It poses a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically rewriting the history of our human race. However, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent bitter controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is this person really changed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging moments, individuals turn to him to restore peace.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective treatment remedy – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology shape the uppermost levels of government.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy country has risen as a key player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are driving this ambitious role?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the exact truth of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation could turn around. I was devastatingly wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful journalism
