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As we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding feature-length articles shines. These narratives probe multifaceted topics including political intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal journeys.

A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on power. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still move millions of copies. It raises a pressing question: Has he evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War

The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.

A Fierce Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. Yet, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing heated controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.

The UK Sect That Hid in the Open

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the appalling extent of abuse it had committed.

A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law

Numerous supporters expected that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to international law. However, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.

Breaking a Nation's Self-Image

A film tracking a repentant con artist as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?

The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes

From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their darkest times, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries been without an consistent treatment solution – up until perhaps now.

A Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Government

A militant extremist and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of government.

An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret

With his sharp mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they started to get wary.

The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub

An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a major actor on the international scene, working to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?

An Inside View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry

Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to handle a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?

The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Regret

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 disappointment was far from unexpected.

The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact truth of the events is still partially contested.

The "Genius" of the Attention Age

He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?

Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas

With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?

A Sorrowful Case of Youth Destitution

As I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation might change for the better. That hope was sadly misplaced.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection

In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.

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