Upon reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional long-form pieces emerges. These accounts explore intricate subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
A Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on power. Although many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move millions of copies. It prompts a pertinent query: Has he become an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of prison was to join the regime military. Following 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still get him killed.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The resulting bitter argument has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is she truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging times, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical remedy – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the highest levels of the state.
The British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a major force on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of the procedures remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his situation might improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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