A Finest Feature Articles of the Year: An Selection of Compelling Narratives

Upon consider the past year, a selection of outstanding long-form pieces stands out. These pieces explore multifaceted subjects including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human stories.

A Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Country

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. Although many of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the country, he still sell millions of copies. It poses a key question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the establishment?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict

The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.

The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. However, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.

The British Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the disturbing extent of exploitation it had carried out.

A Statesman's Curious Record on International Law

Numerous followers hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.

Shattering a Nation's Myth

A documentary following a repentant con artist as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording poses difficult queries: Is this person genuinely reformed, and what are the director's own methods?

The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Darkest Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their stickiest times, people turn to him to bring back peace.

Can an Renowned Museum Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by debates over its collection, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective treatment remedy – up until possibly now.

The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government

A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the very highest levels of the state.

An English Professional With a Fraudulent Side

With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients entrusted him with their assets. Until they started to get uneasy.

A Small Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Center

An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a major force on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this ambitious endeavor?

A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Summitry

Deeply unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the summit.

During the Trial of a Tragic Story

How did the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?

The End of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret

When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.

The Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Women

When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread anxiety. But the exact story of what happened remains partially contested.

The "Genius" of the Online Age

He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?

Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean

With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the reality that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?

A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution

As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his life could improve. I was devastatingly misplaced.

A Global AI Competition and a Key Move

In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the key to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.

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