The Finest Long-Form Reads of the Year: A Compendium of Compelling Writing
Upon consider the past year, a assortment of remarkable in-depth stories shines. Such narratives probe intricate topics including political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human sagas.
The Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp satires on authoritarianism. Whereas numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell millions of copies. It prompts a pressing query: Has the author turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After 14 years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the history of our species. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many supporters hoped that the prime minister would restore the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras asks difficult questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an effective treatment solution – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology influence the very highest levels of government.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get suspicious.
The Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly rich country has transformed into a significant force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the full truth of what happened is still partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his life might turn around. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The most impactful narratives