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Upon consider the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional feature-length articles emerges. These accounts delve into complex topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly personal journeys.

The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Country

An author became known in the 1990s with sharp satires on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move millions of books. This prompts a key query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?

Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Devastating Conflict

The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now cost him his life.

A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as completely rewriting the history of our human race. But, not everyone was in agreement. The resulting intense controversy has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.

A UK Cult That Operated in the Open

One woman was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of abuse it had carried out.

A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on International Law

A great many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.

Challenging a Nation's Self-Image

A film following a repentant master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks difficult questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the director's own motives?

A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Scenes

From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their darkest moments, people depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?

Burdened by restitution claims, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy

Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable medical end – up until possibly now.

The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics

A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of the state.

The British Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his sharp mind and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their assets. Then they began to get wary.

The Small State That Became the World's Mediation Hub

An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a key actor on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?

An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry

Extremely disliked at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for battle.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Case

How did the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?

The Dismantling of a Global Development Agency: Not Universal Mourning

When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was far from unforeseen.

A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers

When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the full truth of what happened remains somewhat shrouded.

A "Mozart" of the Online Economy

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of money to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

One Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution

As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then believed his life might change for the better. I was sadly mistaken.

The Global AI Race and a Key Move

In 2020, after spending half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he might possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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