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As we look back on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding feature-length articles shines. These accounts delve into multifaceted themes from political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.

A Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Although numerous of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he still sell millions of copies. It raises a key question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the establishment?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War

The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape incarceration was to enlist in the government military. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.

The Bitter Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins

The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the story of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The subsequent heated controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.

The British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight

One woman was just a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the disturbing extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.

A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law

Many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's dedication to international law. But, the record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.

Breaking a Country's Identity

A film tracking a remorseful con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras raises thorny questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?

A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains

From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging times, families depend on him to restore order.

Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?

Plagued by restitution claims, precarious finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Extreme Pregnancy

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

A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas shape the uppermost levels of government.

An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret

With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get suspicious.

The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Capital

An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has become a key force on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. What are behind this unprecedented endeavor?

An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle

Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron enjoys the international stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story

How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?

The Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.

A Disturbing Mid-Century Study on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of what happened is still somewhat unclear.

A "Master" of the Online Age

He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and distributed vast amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic genius?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the prospect that their home may soon cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to relocate?

One Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness

When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his situation might improve. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.

A Global AI Competition and a Crucial Move

In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may hold the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.

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