While we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. Such accounts delve into multifaceted topics including political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.
The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. This poses a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only path to escape prison was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as completely re-writing the history of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing heated controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film following a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording poses complex questions: Is this person really changed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging moments, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the highest levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious project?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child 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 Global Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the possibility that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The best narratives
