While we consider the year gone by, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories shines. These accounts delve into multifaceted themes ranging from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the nineties with biting commentaries on power. While several of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the country, he still move millions of copies. It poses a pressing question: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in the Syrian Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of incarceration was to enlist in the government military. Following 14 long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may now cost him his life.
A Bitter Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically rewriting the history of our human race. But, not everyone was convinced. The resulting heated scholarly debate has taken over the lives of scholars ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many followers anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the first year in office has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with covert recording poses complex queries: Is she truly changed, and what are the director's own motives?
The Man Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – everything. In their most challenging moments, families turn to him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult finances and the revelation of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment end – until potentially now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. Today, his ideology shape the very highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his brilliant mind and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that wealthy clients trusted him with their assets. Until they started to get uneasy.
The Tiny Nation That Became the World's Diplomatic Capital
An extremely rich Gulf state has transformed into a significant force on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. What are fueling this ambitious project?
A Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the international arena, where he positions himself as the leader best placed to manage a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest letdown was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When details about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the full nature of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Mozart" of the Attention Economy
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge amounts of cash to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the reality that their islands may in the near future be submerged. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
A Tragic Case of Youth Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his situation could turn around. I was devastatingly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after living decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could hold the key to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.
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