While we consider the previous year, a curated list of outstanding long-form articles stands out. These accounts probe intricate topics ranging from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Although many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. It poses a key question: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way out of prison was to join the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting heated argument has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many voters expected that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks complex questions: Is this person really reformed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the uppermost echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy country has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Development Agency: 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 a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the full truth of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the reality that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the key to which nation wins the global AI race.
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