As we reflect on the past year, a selection of remarkable feature-length articles stands out. Such pieces delve into complex subjects from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. It raises a key question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his only path out of prison was to join the government military. After fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers may now cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our human race. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent heated controversy has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest moments, individuals rely on him to restore order.
Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Condition
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 consistent medical solution – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas influence the highest levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get uneasy.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich country has become a key player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the full story of the events remains partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still believed his situation might improve. I was tragically mistaken.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might possess the key to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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