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Upon reflect on the past year, a selection of remarkable feature-length articles emerges. Such accounts explore complex subjects ranging from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly personal stories.

A Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation

An author became known in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole way out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.

The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was heralded as completely re-writing the story of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent heated argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The British Sect That Hid in the Open

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

A Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights

A great many voters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the record over the past year has been notably mixed.

Shattering a Nation's Identity

A film following a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is this person really a new person, and is the director's true intentions?

A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes

From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest times, families depend on him to bring back order.

Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by restitution claims, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent treatment end – up until possibly now.

The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Politics

A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the highest levels of government.

The English Professional With a Crooked Side

With his keen mind and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become suspicious.

A Tiny State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub

An extremely wealthy country has become a major player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?

A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle

Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Story

How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?

The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.

A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers

When information about a medical study in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the exact story of what happened remains somewhat contested.

The "Master" of the Attention Age

He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered huge amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Seas

With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?

One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution

As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his life could change for the better. I was sadly wrong.

The International AI Race and a Crucial Defection

In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the answers to who prevails in the global technological rivalry.

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