As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of remarkable feature-length articles shines. Such pieces probe complex subjects from geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author became known in the nineties with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of copies. This raises a pressing question: Has the author become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now get him killed.
The Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. But, some scholars was persuaded. The subsequent intense argument has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the shocking extent of exploitation it had carried out.
A Leader's Curious Stance on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful con artist as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's own methods?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their darkest times, people turn to him to bring back peace.
Will an Renowned Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective medical solution – up until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the highest levels of the state.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and impeccable reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get suspicious.
The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are behind this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a Leader Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise truth of the procedures is still partially unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: To where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his situation could improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
A International AI Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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