As we look back on the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form articles emerges. These pieces explore multifaceted subjects ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp satires on power. Although several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. This raises a key query: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent intense argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking scale of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film following a repentant con artist as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, families depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective treatment remedy – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a major force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the full nature of what happened remains partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed vast sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he might hold the key to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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