Upon look back on the past year, a assortment of exceptional long-form pieces shines. Such narratives probe multifaceted subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
The Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pressing question: Has he turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the narrative of our species. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent heated controversy has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking scale of abuse it had committed.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's true motives?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, families rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical end – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become wary.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives
