The Hero Who Betrayed His Country
The story of an Estonian soldier who fell victim to a sting operation on a trip to Russia, and turned spy.
The Shadow Commander
A 2013 profile of Iranian military and political operative Qassem Suleimani, of renewed relevance in the context of the current tensions between Iran and the United States. Suleimani was recently described as “Iran’s Deadly Puppet Master” in Foreign Policy’s Global Thinkers 2019 series.
The invention of Essex: how a county became a caricature
A story about Essex, seen through the lens of social and political change in post-war Britain.
My Grandma the Poisoner
The author reflects on his strong suspicion that his loving grandmother knowingly poisoned people throughout her life, to terrible effect.
The dark side of the Caribbean
Three stories examining the coastal border areas between Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, where tourist areas, police violence, conservative Christian communities, and the drug trade all mix.
What Really Happened to Malaysia’s Missing Airplane
While the full story of what happened to Malaysia Airlines flight 370 may never be known, this “exemplary act of explanatory journalism” (as an NYU journalism professor put it) does a great job of assessing the information available, and puts forward a plausible and chilling narrative.
The Time I Went On A Lesbian Cruise And It Blew Up My Entire Life
An essay about the start and end of relationships, community, friendship, differing generational perspectives, and much besides.
I’m a Journalist but I Didn’t Fully Realize the Terrible Power of U.S. Border Officials Until They Violated My Rights and Privacy
A journalist makes a flippant remark at border control on his return from a trip to Mexico. What follows is a disturbing display of aggression and intimidation without a warrant, or lawyer, in sight.
Elizabeth Warren Is Completely Serious
A profile of Elizabeth Warren, Democratic Presidential candidate and United States Senator from Massachusetts.
A dirty, rotten, double crossing (true) story of what happened to the Italian American mob
A story suggesting the American mafia is quietly rebuilding its fortunes after a couple of decades on the back foot.