A Best Feature Reads of the Year: A Collection of Compelling Narratives

While we consider the previous year, a curated list of outstanding long-form articles shines. These pieces probe intricate subjects ranging from political machinations and scientific revelations to deeply personal stories.

The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the nineties with biting satires on autocratic rule. Although many of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a key query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?

Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Brutal Civil War

The tale of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his only route to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could now get him killed.

A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the history of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent bitter controversy has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.

A UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight

One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.

A Statesman's Curious Record on International Law

Numerous voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to human rights. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.

Shattering a Country's Myth

A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is this person really changed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?

The Person Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Stains

From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest times, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.

Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?

Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Condition

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an reliable medical solution – until perhaps now.

A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. Now, his ideology influence the very highest levels of the state.

An English Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his brilliant intellect and impeccable background, it's little wonder that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become uneasy.

A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center

An astonishingly wealthy country has transformed into a key player on the international scene, striving to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?

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

Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case

How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?

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

When actions were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.

A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When details about a scientific study in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the exact story of the procedures remains partially shrouded.

The "Master" of the Online Economy

He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away enormous sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?

Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to go?

A Tragic Story of Youth Homelessness

As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation might turn around. I was sadly wrong.

The International AI Race and a Pivotal Move

In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he could possess the secret to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.

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