As we look back on the past year, a curated list of outstanding feature-length articles emerges. Such pieces probe multifaceted topics from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal journeys.
A Puzzling Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp satires on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a pertinent question: Has he turned into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only route out of incarceration was to join the government forces. After 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers may now cost him his life.
A Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely rewriting the story of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated argument has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film following a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks complex queries: Is she truly changed, and is the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, individuals rely on him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective medical end – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Government
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his keen intellect and flawless credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become wary.
The Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has become a key player on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this ambitious role?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense shock. But the precise story of the procedures remains partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is facing the prospect that their home may in the near future be submerged. The urgent question is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his life could improve. I was sadly misplaced.
A Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could hold the key to which nation wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
The best narratives
