As we look back on the previous year, a assortment of remarkable feature-length stories emerges. These pieces explore multifaceted themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human sagas.
The Enigmatic Writer and the Soul of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still sell vast numbers of books. This poses a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only route out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. After fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could now put him in mortal danger.
The Acrimonious Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the shocking scale of abuse it had committed.
The Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law
Many voters hoped that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary featuring a remorseful con artist as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises thorny queries: Is this person truly a new person, and is the director's own motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and dealt with – it all. In their most challenging hours, families rely on him to bring back peace.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an reliable medical remedy – up until perhaps now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideas shape the highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his keen intellect and flawless credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy country has become a significant actor on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman most equipped to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact story of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and distributed enormous amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the possibility that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his life could change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
The Global AI Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he might possess the key to who prevails in the global AI race.
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