As we consider the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding feature-length articles shines. These pieces delve into intricate subjects from geopolitical machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the 1990s with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. While numerous of his literary peers have faced censorship or left the country, he still sell millions of books. This poses a key query: Has the author turned into an defender for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still cost him his life.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the history of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
A great many voters expected that the prime minister would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, individuals rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an consistent medical solution – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the very highest echelons of government.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to get suspicious.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly rich country has risen as a significant force on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was immense anxiety. But the precise nature of the events remains partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation might turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global AI Competition and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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