Upon reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable long-form stories shines. These pieces explore intricate topics including political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with sharp critiques on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he still move millions of copies. It poses a pertinent question: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing heated argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Many voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, individuals depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable treatment solution – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of the procedures remains partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation might improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A International AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful narratives