Upon reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional long-form articles emerges. These narratives delve into intricate subjects from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
A Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Nation
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. It poses a key question: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as completely rewriting the narrative of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
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 scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest times, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical end – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a significant player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of what happened remains partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life could change for the better. I was tragically misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.
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