Upon reflect on the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. Such pieces delve into intricate topics from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
The Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author rose to fame in the nineties with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It raises a key query: Has he turned into an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the regime military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could still cost him his life.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The resulting heated argument has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is she really changed, and what are the director's true motives?
A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, families rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the full story of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation could change for the better. That hope was tragically wrong.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful stories
