As we consider the past year, a curated list of exceptional feature-length articles shines. Such pieces probe intricate topics including geopolitical machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Although many of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This poses a pertinent question: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could still get him killed.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally changing the story of our species. However, a faction was convinced. The subsequent intense controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Leader's Curious Stance on International Law
Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film following a repentant con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is she really a new person, and what are the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, individuals turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an effective medical solution – until possibly now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the highest levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp mind and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a major force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are driving this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the full nature of what happened is still partially shrouded.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his life could improve. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A International AI Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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