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As we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form articles shines. These accounts delve into intricate topics ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.

A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country

An author rose to fame in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This poses a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only route out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still cost him his life.

A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins

The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as radically rewriting the history of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing intense controversy has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.

A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight

One woman was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.

A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights

A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.

Shattering a Nation's Identity

A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is she truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?

The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes

From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, people turn to him to restore peace.

Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?

Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?

More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical solution – up until perhaps now.

The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of the state.

An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret

With his brilliant mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get uneasy.

The Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Center

An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key actor on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented role?

An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle

Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story

What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?

An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret

When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.

A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women

When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the precise truth of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.

The "Genius" of the Online Economy

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered huge amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas

With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to go?

A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness

As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his life could improve. I was sadly mistaken.

A Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection

In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he might hold the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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