While we reflect on the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable feature-length stories stands out. These accounts delve into multifaceted topics from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply personal stories.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author became known in the 1990s with biting commentaries on autocratic rule. Although several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. This prompts a pertinent question: Has the author turned into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only way out of prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was heralded as completely rewriting the narrative of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing heated controversy has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking scale of exploitation it had perpetrated.
A Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many followers hoped that the prime minister would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the performance over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is this person really a new person, and what are the filmmaker's true intentions?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – everything. In their most challenging times, people turn to him to bring back peace.
Can an Renowned Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Condition
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective medical end – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest levels of government.
The British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable credentials, it's no surprise that affluent clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get uneasy.
A Small Nation That Became the World's Mediation Hub
An astonishingly wealthy country has become a significant actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to manage a particular former US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a writer joined him as he readied himself for the summit.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were shocked. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the full nature of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours underground – and given away vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the possibility that their home may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his situation could turn around. I was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could hold the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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