Upon reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional feature-length articles emerges. Such pieces delve into complex subjects from political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on power. While several of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. This poses a key question: Has the author evolved into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole path out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect 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 shocking extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest moments, families turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent medical end – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the uppermost echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An extremely rich country has risen as a key actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this ambitious role?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the precise truth of the events remains somewhat unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation could change for the better. I was sadly wrong.
A International AI Competition and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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