As we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding feature-length stories shines. These pieces delve into intricate topics ranging from geopolitical machinations and scientific revelations to profoundly human sagas.
A Mysterious Author and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of copies. It poses a key question: Has he evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole path to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. Following 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now get him killed.
A Bitter Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Beginnings
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely re-writing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing intense controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Sect That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Curious Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses thorny queries: Is she genuinely changed, and is the director's true intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – everything. In their stickiest times, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Renowned Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable medical end – until possibly now.
The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the uppermost echelons of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they started to become wary.
The Tiny State That Became the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly rich country has become a significant player on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are behind this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he presents himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain former US president. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of what happened remains partially contested.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their homeland may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Story of Youth Destitution
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still thought his life could change for the better. That hope was sadly wrong.
The Global AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the key to which nation wins the global AI race.
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