THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE: The 8.24.25 Issue features Shane Bauer writes about the disappeared children of Syria; Lauren Larson on the difficulties of setting a Guinness World Record in the modern era, Linda Kinstler on why wars no longer end; David Marchese interviews the negotiation expert Chris Voss; and more.

How Georgia Went From the Vanguard of Democracy to the Front Lines of Autocracy

Two decades after the Rose Revolution, the former Soviet satellite is turning away from the West and back toward Russia. What happened?

They Were Treated Like Orphans. But They Knew the Truth.

In Syria, the Assad regime took hundreds of children away from their parents. A Times investigation reveals the workings of the operation — and how one family fought to reunite. By Shane Bauer and Jim Huylebroek

Wholesome, Noble Superheroes Are Back. (A Wholesome, Noble World Is Not.)

This summer’s blockbusters leave behind the era of dark, “edgy” champions for heroes who can’t help but listen to their consciences. By Mike Mariani

Reframing Jan. 6: After the Pardons, the Purge

The Trump Justice Department has fired or demoted more than two dozen Jan. 6 prosecutors, even as those they sent to prison walk free.

Fed Officials Try to Keep Focus on Economy as Trump Intensifies Attacks

President Trump’s pressure campaign for lower borrowing costs created an inescapable distraction at this year’s Jackson Hole conference.

Peace Talks in Ukraine All Lead to the Donbas

The contested region is where Russia’s war in Ukraine began a decade ago. Scores of Ukrainian soldiers have died defending it. Would Ukraine give it up now?