While we consider the year gone by, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces stands out. Such narratives explore intricate topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole way to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely changing the history of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The British 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 reveal the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is this person really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical solution – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the uppermost levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless background, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of what happened is still partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the secret to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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