As we consider the year gone by, a assortment of remarkable long-form pieces shines. These narratives probe multifaceted topics including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply human sagas.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on power. Although numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This prompts a pertinent question: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could still cost him his life.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the history of our human race. But, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of mistreatment it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the director's true intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, families rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the uppermost levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich country has risen as a key player on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise story of what happened is still somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could possess the key to which nation wins the global AI race.
The finest narratives
