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While we look back on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional feature-length articles emerges. These narratives probe intricate topics ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to deeply human stories.

The Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Country

Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing satires on authoritarianism. Whereas many of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of copies. It poses a key question: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict

The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still get him killed.

The Bitter Feud Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The discovery of fossilised bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the history of our human race. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The resulting bitter controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The British Sect That Hid in the Open

One woman was only a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of exploitation it had carried out.

A Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on Human Rights

Many supporters hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been notably ambiguous.

Shattering a Country's Self-Image

A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses complex queries: Is she genuinely changed, and what are the director's true motives?

The Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains

From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest hours, families turn to him to restore normalcy.

Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Plagued by restitution claims, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it restore its legacy?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Pregnancy

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent medical remedy – up until potentially now.

A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of government.

An English Gentleman With a Crooked Side

With his sharp intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to get uneasy.

A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub

An extremely rich country has become a significant force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?

A Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Battle

Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular former American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story

What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?

An End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.

A Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Women

When information about a medical experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the precise truth of the procedures is still somewhat contested.

A "Genius" of the Online Economy

He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and showered vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?

Life in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the prospect that their home may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

A Tragic Case of Youth Destitution

As I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation might turn around. That hope was tragically wrong.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Defection

In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might hold the secret to who wins the global AI race.

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