Upon consider the previous year, a assortment of outstanding long-form articles stands out. Such narratives delve into intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Mysterious Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with scathing critiques on power. While many of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. It prompts a key query: Has he turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only route out of incarceration was to join the government military. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still cost him his life.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many supporters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person truly changed, and what are the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals rely on him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment solution – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the very highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become suspicious.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a significant actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this ambitious project?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life might turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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