While we consider the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding long-form articles stands out. These accounts probe multifaceted themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with scathing commentaries on power. While several of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This raises a pertinent question: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only route out of prison was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The ensuing heated scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is she really changed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment solution – until possibly now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the uppermost levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his keen mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise truth of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation might improve. I was sadly wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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