Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form articles emerges. Such pieces explore complex topics from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. This poses a pressing question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. However, some scholars was convinced. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing scale of exploitation it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's dedication to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks thorny questions: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an effective medical remedy – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the precise truth of the procedures is still partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life could improve. That hope was tragically mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending 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 worldwide technological rivalry.
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