While we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding feature-length articles emerges. These accounts explore multifaceted topics ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the nineties with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This raises a pressing query: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters could still cost him his life.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally changing the history of our human race. But, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting heated argument has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises difficult queries: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's own intentions?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest moments, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, precarious funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the highest levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get uneasy.
A Small State That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full story of the procedures remains partially contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the reality that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent question is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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