Upon look back on the past year, a curated list of exceptional feature-length stories shines. These pieces delve into multifaceted topics from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply personal journeys.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with biting critiques on autocratic rule. Although several of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pressing query: Has he become an supporter for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only path to escape incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. After fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our human race. Yet, not everyone was persuaded. The resulting intense controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
A Leader's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many followers expected that the prime minister would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is she truly reformed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging hours, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent medical solution – until perhaps now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas influence the uppermost levels of government.
An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become wary.
The Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Capital
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a major force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
A Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense anxiety. But the full truth of the procedures remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of artistic genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's population is facing the possibility that their home may soon be submerged. The pressing question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then hoped his life could turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he could hold the key to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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