While we look back on the previous year, a selection of outstanding feature-length articles stands out. Such narratives delve into intricate subjects from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his only way out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may still cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as radically re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent bitter argument has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is she really reformed, and what are the director's true motives?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest times, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an reliable treatment remedy – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology shape the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly rich country has transformed into a key player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this ambitious project?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of what happened remains somewhat contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and distributed huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the possibility that their homeland may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could improve. I was devastatingly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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