While we look back on the past year, a selection of exceptional feature-length articles stands out. These accounts delve into multifaceted themes including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with scathing commentaries on power. Although numerous of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pertinent question: Has he become an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The resulting heated argument has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the track record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Self-Image
A film following a repentant fraudster as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is this person truly a new person, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest times, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an reliable medical remedy – up until potentially now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has become a significant player on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the full nature of what happened is still partially contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and given away huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still believed his situation could improve. That hope was tragically mistaken.
The International AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might possess the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest stories
