Upon look back on the year gone by, a selection of exceptional feature-length articles stands out. These narratives probe complex subjects from political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly human stories.
The Mysterious Author and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with sharp critiques on power. While several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of copies. It poses a pertinent query: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might now cost him his life.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the history of our species. However, some scholars was convinced. The resulting heated argument has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the shocking scale of mistreatment it had committed.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
A great many supporters anticipated that the prime minister would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises complex questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging times, people rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries been without an effective treatment end – until perhaps now.
A Ghost of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his teachings shape the highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
The Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most complex conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented role?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of the events is still partially shrouded.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered huge sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is grappling with the reality that their home may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his life might turn around. I was tragically misplaced.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might hold the answers to who wins the global AI race.
The best narratives
