Upon consider the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding feature-length articles shines. These pieces delve into multifaceted topics from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal journeys.
A Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pertinent query: Has he turned into an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the shocking scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is this person really a new person, and is the filmmaker's own methods?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their stickiest moments, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical solution – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to become suspicious.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a key actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this ambitious role?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the precise nature of what happened remains partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the key to who wins the global AI race.
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