As we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional long-form articles shines. Such accounts explore complex topics ranging from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Although many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still move millions of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has the author turned into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the shocking extent of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is she truly changed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, people turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable treatment solution – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major force on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the full truth of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered vast sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. I was tragically wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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