While we look back on the past year, a assortment of exceptional long-form pieces shines. Such accounts explore multifaceted subjects from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting critiques on power. Whereas many of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. This raises a key question: Has he turned into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way to escape prison was to join the government forces. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now get him killed.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Leader's Curious Stance on International Law
Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, families rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment remedy – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the uppermost echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a significant player on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of what happened remains partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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