While we look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding feature-length articles emerges. These accounts delve into complex themes from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. It raises a key question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only way out of prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the history of our human race. However, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting intense scholarly debate has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Curious Stance on International Law
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is this person truly changed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, people depend on him to restore peace.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless background, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get wary.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Mediation Center
An incredibly rich Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
A Shocking Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the full truth of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the reality that their islands may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his life might turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
A Global AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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