As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional feature-length articles emerges. Such pieces delve into complex subjects including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author became known in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still move millions of books. It poses a key question: Has the author become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely rewriting the history of our human race. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent intense controversy has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling scale of exploitation it had carried out.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the Britain's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is this person truly reformed, and is the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical end – until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a key force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
A Inside Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the precise nature of the procedures is still somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his situation might turn around. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the key to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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