As we look back on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding feature-length stories emerges. Such pieces probe multifaceted subjects ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to deeply personal sagas.
A Puzzling Author and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with biting satires on autocratic rule. While several of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. This prompts a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The account of Mustafa, who at eighteen was informed that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the government military. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was hailed as completely rewriting the history of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking breadth of abuse it had carried out.
The Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights
Many supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the record over the past year has been curiously mixed.
Breaking a Country's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt clients with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the filmmaker's true methods?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and dealt with – it all. In their darkest moments, families rely on him to restore peace.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its standing?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment end – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings shape the very highest levels of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his sharp intellect and impeccable background, it's no surprise that wealthy individuals trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to become suspicious.
A Small State That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are behind this unprecedented role?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman most equipped to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their last meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the exact nature of the events remains somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and showered enormous amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the prospect that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered Craig he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he might possess the key to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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