The Finest Feature Articles of the Year: An Selection of Compelling Writing

While we consider the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable in-depth articles shines. Such narratives explore complex topics ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal sagas.

A Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Nation

An author became known in the nineties with biting critiques on autocratic rule. While several of his writer contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It prompts a pertinent query: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?

Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Conflict

The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of prison was to enlist in the government forces. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.

A Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings

The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was hailed as completely re-writing the history of our species. However, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting bitter argument has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.

A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight

One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling extent of exploitation it had perpetrated.

A Statesman's Curious Stance on Human Rights

Numerous followers expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to international law. But, the track record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.

Shattering a Nation's Identity

A film following a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt clients with hidden cameras raises thorny queries: Is she genuinely changed, and is the director's own motives?

The Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes

From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has witnessed – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest hours, people depend on him to restore peace.

Will an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's number one cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?

More Than "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an consistent medical remedy – up until potentially now.

A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government

A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest levels of the state.

An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side

With his keen intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get suspicious.

The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Center

An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?

A Inside View at a President Preparing for International Battle

Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

During the Trial of a Tragic Case

What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?

The End of a Global Development Agency: Not Widespread Mourning

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

A Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers

When details about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the full nature of what happened remains partially contested.

A "Mozart" of the Online Economy

He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these videos simply very clever entertainment – or acts of daring brilliance?

Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The urgent issue is: To where are they going to go?

A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Destitution

When I met a young boy he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation could change for the better. I was devastatingly mistaken.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection

In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the secret to which nation prevails in the global AI race.

The most impactful narratives