Upon consider the year gone by, a selection of exceptional feature-length articles shines. Such pieces probe complex topics from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Although numerous of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of copies. It raises a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still cost him his life.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as completely rewriting the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing intense scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of exploitation it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Cleans Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, families rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Severe Condition
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long lacked an consistent medical solution – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the very highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp mind and sterling reputation, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the full truth of the events remains partially contested.
A "Genius" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away vast amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation might turn around. That hope was sadly misplaced.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may hold the key to who prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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