While we reflect on the previous year, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. These accounts probe intricate topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. While numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of books. This raises a key question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now cost him his life.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had committed.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is she really changed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging moments, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical solution – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the very highest levels of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of the procedures remains partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life could improve. That hope was sadly wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The best narratives
