Upon consider the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. These pieces probe intricate themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author became known in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of copies. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the history of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The ensuing bitter argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the director's own motives?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an reliable medical solution – up until possibly now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become wary.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise truth of what happened is still partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and given away huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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