While we reflect on the previous year, a selection of remarkable long-form articles shines. Such pieces probe intricate themes from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Although many of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a key query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the history of our human race. But, some scholars was convinced. The resulting heated argument has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's true methods?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest times, people turn to him to restore order.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical solution – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology shape the very highest echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation might improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could hold the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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