A Top Long-Form Reads of the Year: An Collection of Compelling Journalism

As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable feature-length articles shines. These accounts probe intricate topics including political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.

A Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Nation

An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting satires on power. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. This prompts a key question: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict

The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route out of incarceration was to join the regime military. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could still get him killed.

The Bitter Argument Over Our Ancient Origins

The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the story of our species. However, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open

Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking extent of abuse it had perpetrated.

The Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights

Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.

Challenging a Nation's Myth

A film following a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises complex queries: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's true motives?

A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, people rely on him to restore peace.

Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – up until possibly now.

The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government

A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the uppermost levels of government.

The British Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get wary.

A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub

An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?

A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle

Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story

What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?

An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret

When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.

A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women

When information about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of the events remains partially shrouded.

A "Genius" of the Attention Economy

He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution

As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life might turn around. I was devastatingly wrong.

A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move

In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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