Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of outstanding long-form articles stands out. Such accounts explore intricate topics from political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. It poses a key query: Has he become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path out of prison was to join the government military. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking extent of exploitation it had committed.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, families rely on him to restore order.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment end – up until perhaps now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the very highest levels of government.
The British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.
A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy country has become a key force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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