Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces emerges. Such accounts explore complex topics including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
A Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp satires on power. Although several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. This poses a pressing question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole route to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the story of our species. However, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent intense argument has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of abuse it had carried out.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, individuals turn to him to restore peace.
Can an Iconic Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an consistent treatment end – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the uppermost levels of government.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a key actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full story of the events is still partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they going to go?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation could improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the key to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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