As we consider the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. These accounts probe intricate topics including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on power. Whereas several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route out of prison was to join the government forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as completely changing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking breadth of exploitation it had committed.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording raises complex queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest moments, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical end – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas influence the very highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a major force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation could change for the better. I was tragically misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after spending half his life 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 AI race.
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