While we look back on the past year, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces stands out. Such accounts probe multifaceted topics ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human sagas.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on power. Although numerous of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It raises a key question: Has he become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may now cost him his life.
The Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the story of our human race. However, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing scale of exploitation it had carried out.
The Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective medical end – up until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the uppermost levels of government.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become uneasy.
A Small State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a key force on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious project?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: 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 far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of the events is still partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his life could improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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