As we consider the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. These narratives probe intricate themes ranging from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author become an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. But, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on International Law
A great many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical solution – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away huge sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising 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 pressing issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation could improve. That hope was tragically mistaken.
The Global AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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