While we consider the past year, a selection of exceptional feature-length articles emerges. Such narratives explore complex subjects ranging from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.
A Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to move millions of copies. This prompts a key question: Has the author turned into an defender for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole path out of prison was to enlist in the government military. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our species. But, a faction was in agreement. The resulting intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is she really changed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their most challenging moments, individuals depend on him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment end – up until possibly now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a significant force on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the full story of what happened is still somewhat contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then hoped his life might turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the secret to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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