While we look back on the previous year, a curated list of outstanding long-form stories stands out. Such pieces explore multifaceted themes from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. While many of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still move millions of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only route out of incarceration was to join the government military. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now get him killed.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely rewriting the story of our human race. But, a faction was convinced. The ensuing heated argument has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of abuse it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film following a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's true intentions?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging moments, people turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an consistent treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a major player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of what happened is still somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life might improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
