The Best Feature Articles of the Year: A Selection of Compelling Writing

While we consider the past year, a curated list of remarkable long-form articles emerges. These narratives probe multifaceted subjects from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.

A Enigmatic Author and the Conscience of a Nation

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. This poses a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict

The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole way out of prison was to join the regime military. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters may now put him in mortal danger.

A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins

The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely rewriting the history of our human race. But, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent bitter controversy has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.

The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling breadth of mistreatment it had carried out.

A Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights

A great many followers expected that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.

Breaking a Nation's Myth

A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she really reformed, and what are the director's own methods?

The Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains

From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and dealt with – everything. In their stickiest times, individuals depend on him to bring back peace.

Will an Renowned Museum Endure an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?

Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Severe Condition

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an consistent medical end – until perhaps now.

The Ghost of Radicalism in Modern Government

A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideology influence the uppermost echelons of the state.

An British Professional With a Dishonest Secret

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

A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub

An incredibly rich Gulf state has become a key actor on the world stage, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this unprecedented role?

An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Battle

Deeply disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Story

How did the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, charged with killing their two-week-old infant?

An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning

When actions were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.

The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers

When information about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact nature of what happened remains somewhat unclear.

The "Master" of the Online Economy

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?

Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Seas

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to relocate?

One Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness

When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his life might improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.

The Global AI Race and a Key Defection

In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he may possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.

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