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While we consider the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding long-form articles stands out. These narratives delve into intricate themes including political machinations and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.

A Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Country

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with biting satires on power. Although numerous of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still move millions of copies. This prompts a pertinent question: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?

Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War

The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the regime military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.

The Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins

The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The resulting intense argument has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.

The British Cult That Hid in the Open

One woman was just a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of abuse it had perpetrated.

A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law

Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.

Breaking a Country's Identity

A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the director's own intentions?

A Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest times, people depend on him to restore normalcy.

Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?

Burdened by restitution claims, precarious funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment end – up until perhaps now.

A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology shape the uppermost levels of the state.

An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side

With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become uneasy.

A Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?

A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle

Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Case

What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?

The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Regret

When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.

A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers

When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of what happened remains partially shrouded.

A "Genius" of the Attention Economy

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?

Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution

As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation could improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.

The International AI Competition and a Key Move

In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.

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