Upon reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional long-form articles stands out. Such accounts delve into intricate topics including political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.
The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. While several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically rewriting the story of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
Many followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film following a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is this person truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest times, individuals turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an effective treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings influence the highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of the events is still partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the answers to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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