While we look back on the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form articles emerges. Such pieces delve into complex topics including political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with biting satires on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way out of prison was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could still get him killed.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting intense controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording raises complex queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest hours, families rely on him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment solution – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the uppermost levels of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get uneasy.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly rich country has risen as a major force on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise truth of what happened remains partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his life could change for the better. That hope was tragically mistaken.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might possess the secret to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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