Upon reflect on the previous year, a curated list of remarkable feature-length articles emerges. These pieces probe intricate themes including geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human journeys.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the nineties with scathing commentaries on power. Whereas many of his writer peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still sell millions of books. It raises a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could still put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the story of our human race. However, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing bitter controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking extent of abuse it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Breaking a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is she genuinely changed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, families rely on him to restore peace.
Will an Renowned Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent medical remedy – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideology influence the highest echelons of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his brilliant intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that affluent clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich country has become a key actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a particular former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the exact story of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then thought his life might change for the better. I was devastatingly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest stories
