Upon reflect on the past year, a curated list of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. These accounts delve into complex subjects including political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. While several of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Leader's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, families depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Condition
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an consistent treatment end – until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings influence the very highest levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a major force on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this ambitious role?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the full truth of what happened is still partially shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the reality that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his life might turn around. I was sadly misplaced.
The Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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