As we consider the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional feature-length articles emerges. These narratives explore intricate themes ranging from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on power. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of books. It poses a key query: Has the author become an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the story of our species. But, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording asks difficult queries: Is this person really reformed, and what are the director's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical end – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas influence the very highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and flawless reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are fueling this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, two days underground – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation might turn around. I was sadly mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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