Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of outstanding long-form articles shines. Such accounts explore complex subjects ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This raises a pressing question: Has the author become an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent intense controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law
A great many supporters expected that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's true methods?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, families rely on him to restore order.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical remedy – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to become uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich country has become a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could improve. I was sadly mistaken.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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