As we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. These accounts delve into complex topics from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with biting commentaries on power. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of books. It poses a pressing query: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. However, some scholars was in agreement. The ensuing intense argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is she genuinely changed, and is the director's true methods?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly rich country has become a major player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his life might turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the key to which nation wins the global AI race.
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