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Upon look back on the past year, a assortment of exceptional long-form articles stands out. These narratives probe multifaceted topics including geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to deeply human journeys.

A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country

A certain Russian novelist became known in the 1990s with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. While several of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. It raises a key question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War

The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could now put him in mortal danger.

A Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the history of our species. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent intense controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The British Sect That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.

The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law

A great many supporters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.

Challenging a Nation's Self-Image

A documentary featuring a repentant fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses difficult questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?

The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Stains

From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.

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

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

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an effective medical end – until potentially now.

The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the very highest levels of the state.

The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side

With his sharp intellect and sterling background, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.

The Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center

An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a key force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?

An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle

Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?

The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret

When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.

A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers

When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise truth of the procedures is still somewhat contested.

A "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered huge amounts of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to go?

A Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution

As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.

The International AI Race and a Pivotal Defection

In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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