While we look back on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable long-form pieces emerges. Such accounts explore complex themes ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with sharp critiques on power. Although numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This prompts a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters might still get him killed.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the story of our human race. However, some scholars was convinced. The resulting intense argument has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex queries: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, individuals turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the highest levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get suspicious.
A Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy country has become a significant player on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact truth of the events remains somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the possibility that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation could improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the answers to who wins the global AI race.
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