Upon reflect on the previous year, a assortment of outstanding long-form articles stands out. These narratives explore multifaceted subjects from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. While several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This raises a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter argument has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is she truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, families rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent medical end – until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the very highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a major force on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation could turn around. I was devastatingly wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
