While we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of exceptional feature-length stories shines. These pieces delve into complex topics including political intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal stories.
The Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Country
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting satires on authoritarianism. While several of his writer peers have faced suppression or left the country, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It raises a key question: Has he become an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The tale of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape prison was to join the government military. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still get him killed.
A Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the story of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The ensuing bitter controversy has dominated the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing extent of exploitation it had committed.
The Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights
Many supporters expected that the prime minister would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the track record over the first year in office has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A film featuring a repentant master criminal as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she really changed, and what are the director's own methods?
The Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their most challenging times, people turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's premier museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an reliable treatment end – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the very highest levels of the state.
The English Gentleman With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they began to get wary.
A Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major player on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are driving this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for International Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron thrives on the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was immense shock. But the exact nature of the procedures remains partially contested.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's population is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may in the near future be submerged. The critical question is: Where are they going to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was 13 and without a home. I still hoped his situation could change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the answers to which nation prevails in the global technological rivalry.
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