Upon look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. Such accounts explore complex themes including political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.
The Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on authoritarianism. While many of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This raises a pertinent query: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only route out of prison was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may still cost him his life.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent heated controversy has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult queries: Is she truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an effective treatment end – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An incredibly rich country has transformed into a key player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut 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 letdown was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of the procedures is still partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his life might improve. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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