As we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable feature-length articles stands out. Such narratives delve into intricate topics including political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on power. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of copies. This poses a key question: Has he become an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our human race. But, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated argument has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing scale of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on International Law
Many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is she really a new person, and is the director's true methods?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging hours, people rely on him to restore order.
Can an Famous Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment end – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of government.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get wary.
A Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal 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 most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the exact truth of the procedures remains partially unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is facing the prospect that their home may soon be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life might improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he could possess the answers to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The finest stories
