Upon consider the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. These narratives probe multifaceted themes including geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with sharp commentaries on power. While many of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pertinent question: Has the author become an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape prison was to join the government forces. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of abuse it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is this person really changed, and is the director's own motives?
The Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent medical end – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest echelons of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his keen mind and sterling background, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get wary.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the international scene, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast amounts of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the possibility that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
