Upon look back on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding long-form articles stands out. Such narratives delve into multifaceted topics including political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp satires on power. Although several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to move millions of books. It prompts a pertinent question: Has the author become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only way to escape prison was to join the government forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may still get him killed.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as completely changing the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting intense scholarly debate has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Statesman's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex queries: Is she truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the uppermost echelons of government.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a significant force on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the full truth of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might improve. I was tragically misplaced.
A International AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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