As we reflect on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable feature-length articles emerges. These narratives explore intricate subjects ranging from political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply human stories.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Soul of a Country
An author rose to fame in the nineties with biting satires on autocratic rule. Although many of his literary peers have faced censorship or fled the country, he still move millions of copies. This poses a pressing question: Has he turned into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route out of prison was to join the government military. After fourteen years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
The Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the history of our human race. However, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting intense scholarly debate has dominated the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is this person truly a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest hours, families turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable treatment solution – up until possibly now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the very highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant force on the international scene, working to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the full nature of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply very savvy entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his life could change for the better. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The International AI Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The finest stories
