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Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of remarkable long-form pieces emerges. Such pieces explore complex subjects ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.

A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of copies. It poses a pressing query: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?

Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict

The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the regime military. After fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may now get him killed.

A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the history of our human race. But, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.

The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight

One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.

A Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights

Many followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably mixed.

Shattering a Country's Self-Image

A film tracking a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's own motives?

The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains

From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging hours, families depend on him to restore peace.

Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical solution – up until potentially now.

A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of government.

The British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret

With his brilliant mind and sterling reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get uneasy.

The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub

An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key player on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?

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

Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?

An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.

A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of what happened remains partially contested.

A "Master" of the Attention Age

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?

Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the possibility that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to go?

One Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution

When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life might turn around. I was devastatingly misplaced.

A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection

In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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