As we reflect on the past year, a assortment of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. These accounts delve into multifaceted topics including political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp critiques on power. While many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still sell millions of books. This poses a pertinent query: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically changing the narrative of our human race. But, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Myth
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is this person truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, people turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment end – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the very highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely rich country has become a key player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact nature of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his life could improve. I was tragically wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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