Upon reflect on the previous year, a selection of remarkable feature-length stories stands out. Such pieces delve into intricate themes from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.
The Puzzling Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer peers have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. This prompts a key query: Has he become an defender for the regime?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was informed that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters could still put him in mortal danger.
The Bitter Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. But, a faction was convinced. The resulting heated controversy has consumed the lives of scholars ever since.
The British Cult That Operated in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of exploitation it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers anticipated that the prime minister would restore the UK's commitment to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Myth
A film following a remorseful fraudster as she sets up unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras asks complex questions: Is she truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true motives?
The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, families turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult funding and the exposure of an insider theft, Britain's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an consistent treatment end – until perhaps now.
A Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideas permeate the very highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and flawless credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to become wary.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub
An astonishingly rich Gulf state has risen as a major player on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron enjoys the world arena, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to handle a particular former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn baby?
The End of a Global Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing 1960s Study on South Asian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of the procedures is still somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Attention Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered huge sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply very savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde genius?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to go?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered Craig he was thirteen and without a home. I still thought his situation could turn around. That hope was devastatingly misplaced.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he might hold the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The most impactful stories
