Upon consider the previous year, a selection of exceptional long-form articles shines. These accounts delve into complex subjects including political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on power. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This raises a key question: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now cost him his life.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the story of our species. However, a faction was in agreement. The resulting intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had committed.
The Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks thorny questions: Is this person really changed, and is the director's own intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment remedy – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the uppermost levels of government.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are driving this unprecedented project?
An Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the full nature of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered enormous amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his life could change for the better. That hope was tragically wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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