As we consider the previous year, a curated list of remarkable feature-length articles emerges. Such narratives explore multifaceted topics including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country
An author gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on power. While numerous of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of books. This poses a key query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still cost him his life.
The Fierce Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the history of our species. But, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting heated argument has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to international law. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises difficult questions: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment end – up until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the very highest echelons of the state.
The British Professional With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Capital
An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a key player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this ambitious role?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the full truth of what happened remains somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation could turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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