As we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form articles emerges. These accounts explore complex themes from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the nineties with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It poses a pressing query: Has he turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape prison was to join the government military. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. However, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is this person truly changed, and what are the director's own motives?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest times, people turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The 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 treatment end – up until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the very highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a key force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of the events is still somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life could improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the secret to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
