Upon look back on the previous year, a assortment of exceptional feature-length articles shines. Such narratives delve into multifaceted topics including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human journeys.
The Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Although several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the country, he continues to move millions of copies. It prompts a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was told that his sole way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the history of our species. But, a faction was persuaded. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had committed.
A Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many followers expected that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary following a repentant con artist as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses difficult questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the director's true motives?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – it all. In their stickiest moments, families rely on him to restore order.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long been without an reliable medical remedy – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy country has become a significant actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this ambitious project?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense shock. But the precise story of the events is still somewhat contested.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life could turn around. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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