While we reflect on the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. Such pieces delve into complex subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author gained prominence in the nineties with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pressing question: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could still cost him his life.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing intense argument has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is this person truly a new person, and is the director's own methods?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest times, people turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment end – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the very highest echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and flawless background, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a key actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full truth of what happened remains somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the reality that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the key to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives
