While we look back on the previous year, a selection of outstanding feature-length articles shines. Such narratives delve into intricate subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
A Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. It prompts a key question: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape prison was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling extent of mistreatment it had committed.
A Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Nation's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, people depend on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an reliable medical solution – until potentially now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get suspicious.
The Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely rich country has become a significant actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to manage a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of the events remains somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his life might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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