Upon reflect on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional long-form stories emerges. These pieces probe intricate topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This poses a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, people depend on him to restore peace.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective treatment end – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major force on the international scene, working to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the full truth of the procedures remains partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation might change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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