Upon look back on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. These pieces delve into intricate topics ranging from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on power. Whereas numerous of his writer contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pressing question: Has the author become an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only path out of prison was to join the regime military. After 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might now get him killed.
A Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as radically changing the history of our human race. Yet, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting intense controversy has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on Human Rights
Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to human rights. However, the performance over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Myth
A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she truly a new person, and what are the director's own motives?
The Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their darkest moments, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained funding and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it salvage its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an effective medical remedy – until perhaps now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the uppermost levels of government.
The English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Secret
With his sharp mind and impeccable background, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Then they started to get wary.
The Small State That Became the World's Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a significant force on the international scene, working to solve some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are driving this unprecedented role?
A Close-Up View at a President Preparing for International Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to handle a certain former American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Widespread Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest letdown was not unforeseen.
A Unethical 1960s Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense shock. But the exact nature of what happened is still partially contested.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of daring genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their homeland may soon be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Youth Destitution
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation might change for the better. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The International AI Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the key to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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