While we reflect on the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. These accounts explore intricate topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.
A Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on power. Although several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This raises a pressing query: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only route out of prison was to join the regime forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the story of our human race. However, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing bitter controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is she truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging times, people rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent medical end – until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a key player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Study on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the exact truth of the events remains partially contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could hold the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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