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While we consider the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form articles stands out. These pieces delve into intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.

The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Nation

An author gained prominence in the nineties with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of books. This poses a pertinent query: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may still get him killed.

A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.

A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight

One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing scale of abuse it had committed.

A Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights

Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.

Shattering a Country's Myth

A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?

The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals turn to him to bring back order.

Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical solution – up until perhaps now.

A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics

A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the uppermost echelons of the state.

An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret

With his keen mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become uneasy.

The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital

An extremely rich country has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented project?

A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry

Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.

Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?

An End of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Regret

When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.

A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women

When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the full nature of the events is still partially unclear.

The "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?

A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution

As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation could turn around. I was tragically wrong.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection

In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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