Upon look back on the past year, a assortment of remarkable long-form articles stands out. Such accounts explore multifaceted topics including political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp critiques on power. While several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his only path out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could still get him killed.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as radically rewriting the story of our human race. However, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of exploitation it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording poses complex questions: Is she really changed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology shape the very highest levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become uneasy.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key player on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the exact truth of what happened is still partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life might improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.
A International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
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