While we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form articles emerges. These accounts explore intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to profoundly human sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Country
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to move millions of copies. This poses a pressing question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route out of prison was to join the government forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the history of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting heated argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking breadth of abuse it had committed.
The Leader's Curious Stance on International Law
Many supporters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she genuinely changed, and is the director's own methods?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest moments, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become suspicious.
A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key player on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this ambitious project?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the full truth of what happened is still partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and given away enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation could turn around. That hope was tragically mistaken.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the secret to who prevails in the global AI race.
The best stories