Upon consider the previous year, a selection of outstanding feature-length articles stands out. Such narratives probe intricate topics from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting satires on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It raises a pressing question: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The ensuing bitter controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking extent of abuse it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Many followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the director's true intentions?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest hours, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment remedy – up until possibly now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has become a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact truth of what happened remains partially unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his life might change for the better. That hope was tragically wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could possess the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.
The finest narratives
