While we look back on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form stories stands out. Such pieces explore complex subjects from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
An author became known in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. It poses a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole route out of prison was to join the government forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous followers hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is she really a new person, and is the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest times, people depend on him to restore order.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the highest echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise truth of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the reality that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life could turn around. That hope was sadly misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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