While we reflect on the previous year, a curated list of outstanding feature-length articles stands out. These pieces delve into multifaceted subjects including political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting satires on autocratic rule. Although many of his literary peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of copies. This poses a pressing query: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only way to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. However, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the disturbing breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Leader's Curious Record on International Law
Many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a remorseful master criminal as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises complex queries: Is this person really changed, and is the director's true intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by colonial controversy, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical end – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a major actor on the world stage, working to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious project?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact story of the procedures remains partially contested.
A "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is facing the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The critical question is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his situation could improve. That hope was tragically mistaken.
The International AI Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the key to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful narratives