Upon reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional long-form articles shines. Such pieces delve into intricate subjects including political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. While many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now get him killed.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the story of our species. However, a faction was in agreement. The resulting intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is this person truly reformed, and is the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, people depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective treatment solution – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the highest echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented role?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the possibility that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his situation might turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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