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While we reflect on the past year, a curated list of remarkable long-form articles shines. These accounts probe complex themes from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.

The Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. While numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It raises a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the government forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might now get him killed.

The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the history of our species. But, some scholars was in agreement. The subsequent bitter controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of mistreatment it had carried out.

A Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights

Many followers expected that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.

Shattering a Country's Myth

A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the director's own intentions?

The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains

From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging times, individuals depend on him to restore peace.

Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Condition

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an reliable treatment end – up until possibly now.

The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the very highest echelons of government.

An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side

With his brilliant intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get uneasy.

A Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital

An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a key player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?

An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Case

What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?

The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.

A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Women

When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of what happened is still partially shrouded.

The "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?

Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?

One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution

When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his life could change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.

A Global AI Competition and a Key Defection

In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the secret to which nation wins the global AI race.

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