As we look back on the past year, a curated list of exceptional feature-length articles shines. Such pieces delve into multifaceted topics from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the nineties with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This poses a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his only route out of incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law
Numerous voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A documentary following a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
A Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, individuals depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an consistent medical solution – up until potentially now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the uppermost levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his brilliant mind and sterling reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get suspicious.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a key force on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented project?
An Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined 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 partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the full nature of the events is still somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and distributed vast sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the reality that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation might turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the key to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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