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Upon consider the previous year, a assortment of outstanding long-form articles stands out. These narratives explore intricate topics from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.

A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country

An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a key question: Has the author become an apologist for the establishment?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.

A Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing bitter controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.

A UK Cult That Operated in the Open

One woman was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.

The Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law

A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. However, the record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.

Shattering a Nation's Myth

A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?

A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes

From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Condition

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – until possibly now.

A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government

A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas influence the very highest echelons of the state.

The English Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.

The Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital

An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this unprecedented project?

An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Summitry

Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?

An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unexpected.

A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women

When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of the events remains partially unclear.

A "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?

Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas

With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?

One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution

As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation could improve. I was tragically wrong.

A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection

In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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