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Upon look back on the previous year, a curated list of outstanding feature-length articles stands out. Such pieces explore intricate themes from geopolitical intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human stories.

The Enigmatic Novelist and the Soul of a Country

A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Although many of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he still sell millions of books. It raises a pressing query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War

The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now put him in mortal danger.

A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the history of our human race. However, a faction was convinced. The subsequent heated controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.

A British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.

The Prime Minister's Curious Record on International Law

Many followers anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly inconsistent.

Breaking a Nation's Myth

A documentary featuring a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person truly a new person, and is the director's true motives?

The Person Who Cleans the UK's Most Traumatic Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest times, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.

Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an reliable medical end – until perhaps now.

A Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government

A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest echelons of government.

An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his keen mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get suspicious.

The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital

An extremely wealthy Gulf state has become a key force on the world stage, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?

An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry

Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story

What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with killing their newborn infant?

An End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.

The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.

The "Master" of the Attention Economy

He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde genius?

Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the possibility that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?

A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness

As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then hoped his situation could change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.

The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may possess the answers to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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