While we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional long-form articles shines. These narratives probe multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with biting satires on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pertinent question: Has the author become an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole path out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The resulting bitter controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is she really a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – it all. In their most challenging times, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable treatment end – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious role?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the reality that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation might improve. I was devastatingly wrong.
The Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may possess the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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