Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces emerges. These pieces probe complex themes ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on power. Whereas numerous of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of copies. It raises a key query: Has the author become an defender for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now get him killed.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting bitter controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped uncover the disturbing breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex queries: Is she truly a new person, and what are the director's true intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest hours, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an reliable medical end – up until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas influence the very highest levels of government.
The British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to become wary.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this ambitious role?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of what happened remains partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his life might turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he could hold the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
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