Upon reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable long-form articles stands out. These narratives explore intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the nineties with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a key question: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as completely rewriting the story of our species. But, some scholars was convinced. The resulting intense argument has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Curious Stance on International Law
A great many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt clients with covert recording asks complex questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable medical remedy – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the highest echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich country has become a significant player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the exact story of what happened remains partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the possibility that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A International AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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