Upon look back on the past year, a assortment of exceptional long-form articles emerges. Such narratives probe intricate subjects ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. It poses a pressing query: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of prison was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely changing the narrative of our human race. However, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting bitter controversy has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking scale of abuse it had carried out.
A Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the director's true motives?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment solution – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp mind and sterling reputation, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly rich country has become a significant force on the world stage, working to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this ambitious project?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the full story of the events is still somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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