As we look back on the past year, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. Such narratives delve into complex themes from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Although many of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This raises a key query: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now cost him his life.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting heated controversy has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many supporters hoped that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with covert recording poses complex questions: Is she truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, people turn to him to restore order.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious role?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise story of the procedures is still partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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