While we look back on the past year, a curated list of remarkable feature-length stories emerges. These pieces delve into intricate topics from political machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human stories.
A Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting satires on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the country, he still sell millions of books. It prompts a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his sole route to escape prison was to join the government forces. After 14 long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now get him killed.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Earliest Origins
The finding of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the history of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped uncover the appalling breadth of abuse it had carried out.
A Leader's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous supporters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Shattering a Nation's Identity
A film following a remorseful con artist as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is she truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their darkest hours, individuals depend on him to restore order.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by debates over its collection, strained funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an reliable medical end – up until possibly now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the uppermost levels of government.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the world stage, working to broker peace in some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented project?
An Close-Up View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to wind down a major US development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the precise truth of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
A "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is grappling with the possibility that their islands may soon be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still believed his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Move
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to his home country. Now, he may possess the answers to which nation prevails in the worldwide technological rivalry.
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