As we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable feature-length articles stands out. Such accounts delve into multifaceted subjects from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal stories.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This poses a key question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape prison was to join the government military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter controversy has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of abuse it had committed.
The Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with covert recording asks complex queries: Is this person genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging moments, families depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment solution – until potentially now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of the procedures remains partially shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life might change for the better. I was sadly misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could possess the answers to who prevails in the global AI race.
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