While we look back on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form articles emerges. These pieces delve into intricate subjects ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. While several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only path to escape prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could still cost him his life.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent intense argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of abuse it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the director's true motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the very highest levels of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a key player on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When actions 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 letdown was not unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the exact truth of the procedures remains partially contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their home may soon be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation could change for the better. I was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the secret to who wins the global AI race.
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