The Meaning of Allahu Akbar
A phrase many have heard, but perhaps fewer understand. The author writes about what it means to her in this lyrical piece.
May 1968: A Month of Revolution Pushed France Into the Modern World
The controversy stoked by the month of riots in France 50 years ago had a seismic impact on French society. This photo essay revisits the events in Paris and around the country in May 1968.
How the CIA Hoodwinked Hollywood
How the CIA seeks to use the film industry to project its desired image.
The Lord and The Patriot
The story of how Chechnya’s ruler Ramzan Kadyrov uses sport to project and consolidate his power. Stunts include organising a mixed martial arts bout for children featuring his own sons, aged between eight and eleven.
How to Fix Facebook – Before It Fixes Us
This piece has been doing the rounds in technology circles because of the unique profile of its author – a Facebook investor and mentor to Mark Zuckerberg. Having observed Facebook’s impact on US Elections and the UK EU Referendum, he issues a clarion call for reform.
The Spy Who Came Home
A story about Patrick Skinner, currently a local cop in Savannah, Georgia, but formerly a CIA case officer directly engaged in post-9/11 operations. The piece jumps between his two careers and relates how he is applying lessons from the CIA to community policing.
How Europe Left Itself Open to Terrorism
A report on the security challenges and failures leaving Europe vulnerable to attack.
Burj Khalifa: Alone at the Top of the World
A dispatch from the hermetically sealed world of mega-developments as the author and his friend explore the tallest structure in the world, and reflect on the stratosphere of the super rich.
Why We’re Post-Fact
A piece explaining how we came to find ourselves in an era where our political leaders are freed from fact, allowing us all to “indulge in a full, anarchic liberation from coherence”.