As we reflect on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form articles stands out. Such pieces explore complex subjects from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This poses a pertinent question: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely changing the story of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent intense controversy has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is she really changed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, individuals turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment end – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the very highest echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a major force on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the full story of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life might change for the better. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
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