Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form pieces shines. Such accounts delve into intricate subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
An author gained prominence in the nineties with sharp critiques on power. Although numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he still move millions of copies. It poses a pertinent query: Has he become an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the director's own motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, individuals rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an consistent medical solution – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy country has become a significant player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of what happened is still partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the reality that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life might change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The Global AI Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
