Upon reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional long-form pieces stands out. Such narratives delve into complex subjects including political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.
A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on power. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. It poses a key question: Has the author become an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting bitter argument has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many supporters expected that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is she truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging moments, people turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent medical remedy – until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas influence the highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get wary.
A Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich country has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact truth of the events remains somewhat unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might turn around. I was tragically wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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