Upon reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional long-form pieces shines. These accounts delve into multifaceted topics including political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Country
An author became known in the nineties with sharp satires on power. While many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a key query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the story of our species. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest times, individuals turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment end – up until possibly now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life could change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.
A International AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might possess the key to who wins the global AI race.
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