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While we reflect on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form articles shines. Such narratives delve into complex topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.

The Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

An author gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he still sell millions of books. It poses a pressing question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the regime?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now cost him his life.

A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing intense argument has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.

The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.

A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law

Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.

Shattering a Nation's Myth

A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is she truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?

A Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains

From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging moments, people rely on him to bring back peace.

Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical end – until potentially now.

The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics

A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas shape the very highest levels of the state.

An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become uneasy.

A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Capital

An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a key player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?

A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle

Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Story

How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?

An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.

A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Women

When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of the events is still partially unclear.

The "Master" of the Attention Age

He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness

When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation could change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move

In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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