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Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces emerges. Such accounts explore multifaceted subjects from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.

A Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country

An author rose to fame in the 1990s with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pressing query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only path out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might now get him killed.

A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.

A UK Cult That Hid in the Open

One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking scale of abuse it had carried out.

The Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law

Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the past year has been curiously mixed.

Breaking a Nation's Identity

A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?

A Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains

From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, people depend on him to restore peace.

Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an effective medical remedy – up until potentially now.

The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the very highest levels of the state.

An English Professional With a Crooked Side

With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get suspicious.

The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented project?

A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle

Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story

How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?

An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.

The Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers

When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the precise story of the procedures is still partially contested.

The "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they going to go?

A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution

As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation might turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.

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