As we consider the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional long-form stories shines. Such pieces probe multifaceted topics from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human sagas.
A Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Although many of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has he become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now get him killed.
A Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking extent of abuse it had committed.
A Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she truly changed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, people rely on him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment solution – until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas influence the very highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a significant player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During 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, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the exact nature of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation could change for the better. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could possess the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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