While we reflect on the past year, a curated list of remarkable feature-length articles stands out. These narratives explore intricate topics ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Mysterious Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This poses a pertinent query: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now get him killed.
The Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent bitter controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking scale of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
A great many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is this person really changed, and is the director's own motives?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their stickiest moments, people depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment remedy – up until potentially now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology influence the very highest echelons of government.
The British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has transformed into a key force on the international scene, striving to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the full story of what happened is still partially unclear.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the prospect that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his life might turn around. I was sadly misplaced.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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