Upon reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of outstanding feature-length articles stands out. These pieces probe intricate themes from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still move millions of copies. It poses a key question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only path to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely changing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the appalling scale of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
The Person Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest moments, individuals rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an consistent medical end – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of government.
An British Professional With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become wary.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the precise story of the procedures remains partially contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. I still thought his situation could turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might possess the secret to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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