While we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional long-form articles shines. Such accounts explore multifaceted topics including political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author became known in the 1990s with scathing satires on autocratic rule. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. This raises a pressing query: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now cost him his life.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The resulting heated argument has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of abuse it had committed.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, individuals turn to him to restore order.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment remedy – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a significant player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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