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Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of remarkable feature-length articles emerges. Such pieces probe multifaceted themes including geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.

The Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Nation

Victor Pelevin became known in the post-Soviet era with biting critiques on authoritarianism. While several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a pertinent query: Has he become an apologist for the establishment?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Conflict

The account of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole route to escape prison was to join the regime forces. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may now cost him his life.

The Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins

The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically re-writing the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was in agreement. The subsequent heated controversy has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.

A British Religious Group That Operated in the Open

One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the shocking scale of mistreatment it had carried out.

The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law

Numerous supporters hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.

Shattering a Country's Identity

A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks thorny queries: Is she truly changed, and what are the director's own intentions?

A Person Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains

From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, people rely on him to restore peace.

Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Plagued by restitution claims, strained funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it salvage its standing?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Pregnancy

Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical solution – until perhaps now.

The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government

A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the highest levels of the state.

An English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side

With his brilliant intellect and flawless credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to get wary.

The Tiny State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub

An incredibly wealthy country has become a significant player on the world stage, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this unprecedented project?

An Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry

Extremely disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular former American leader. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

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

The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret

When actions were made to wind down a prominent development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.

A Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers

When information about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the precise nature of what happened is still somewhat unclear.

A "Master" of the Online Age

He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of daring genius?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent issue is: Where are they supposed to go?

A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution

As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his situation might improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move

In the recent past, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might hold the secret to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.

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