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Upon consider the past year, a selection of remarkable long-form articles shines. These pieces explore complex themes including geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.

A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country

An author rose to fame in the nineties with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Although many of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict

The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.

The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins

The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A British Cult That Hid in the Open

One woman was only a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking scale of abuse it had carried out.

The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law

Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.

Shattering a Country's Myth

A film tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras raises complex queries: Is this person truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?

A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to bring back order.

Can an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by colonial controversy, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Condition

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – up until possibly now.

The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government

A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the highest echelons of government.

The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side

With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get wary.

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

An incredibly wealthy country has risen as a key actor on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?

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

Deeply disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Story

How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?

An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret

When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.

The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women

When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense anxiety. But the exact truth of the procedures is still partially contested.

A "Mozart" of the Attention Age

He's endured a full day in slime, two days underground – and given away huge sums of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?

A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution

As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life could turn around. That hope was sadly misplaced.

A International AI Race and a Pivotal Move

In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the answers to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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