As we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form articles stands out. These narratives explore intricate themes ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author became known in the nineties with biting critiques on power. Although many of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he still sell millions of copies. It poses a pertinent question: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only way out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still get him killed.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The resulting intense controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many voters expected that the prime minister would renew the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is this person really reformed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest moments, people turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical solution – up until potentially now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology shape the highest echelons of government.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this unprecedented project?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the full nature of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and given away huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation might change for the better. That hope was tragically wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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