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The Finest Long-Form Reads of the Year: An Collection of Compelling Writing

While we look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding in-depth stories stands out. Such narratives explore multifaceted subjects including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.

The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation

An author gained prominence in the nineties with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. While numerous of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This prompts a key query: Has the author become an supporter for the regime?

Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War

The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.

A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically rewriting the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing intense argument has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of abuse it had committed.

A Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law

Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.

Challenging a Country's Identity

A film featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording poses complex questions: Is she really changed, and what are the director's true intentions?

The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes

From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging moments, families rely on him to restore order.

Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?

More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Condition

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable medical remedy – up until perhaps now.

The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government

A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the uppermost levels of the state.

An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to become suspicious.

A Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Center

An extremely rich country has risen as a key actor on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?

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

Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.

Inside the Trial of a Tragic Story

How did the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?

An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning

When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unexpected.

The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When details about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of the procedures remains partially contested.

A "Master" 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 contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas

With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the reality that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they going to relocate?

One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution

As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.

The International AI Competition and a Crucial Move

In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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About the author

Olivia Martin

A tech strategist with over a decade of experience in digital innovation, focusing on emerging technologies and their business applications.

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