While we look back on the previous year, a curated list of exceptional long-form articles shines. These narratives probe multifaceted subjects from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the nineties with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pressing query: Has he evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might still cost him his life.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the history of our species. But, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter argument has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing scale of exploitation it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film featuring a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is she truly changed, and is the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest moments, individuals depend on him to restore peace.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical solution – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full truth of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the reality that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they going to go?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life might improve. That hope was tragically mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
