While we reflect on the past year, a assortment of remarkable feature-length pieces emerges. These narratives explore intricate subjects including geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human stories.
The Enigmatic Novelist and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author became known in the nineties with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary peers have encountered censorship or fled the country, he continues to sell millions of books. It poses a key query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his sole way to escape incarceration was to join the government forces. Following 14 long years, his past as one of Assad's fighters may still cost him his life.
The Fierce Argument Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely rewriting the history of our species. But, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing intense argument has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The UK Cult That Hid in the Open
Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the shocking breadth of abuse it had committed.
A Prime Minister's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is this person really reformed, and is the director's true methods?
The Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Traumatic Scenes
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest hours, people turn to him to restore normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by colonial controversy, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its reputation?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an effective treatment end – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp intellect and impeccable credentials, it's little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to become wary.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious role?
A Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely disliked at domestically, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Global Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unexpected.
The Unethical 1960s Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s were revealed, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of the procedures is still somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Attention Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and showered vast amounts of money to selected participants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution
As I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. I still hoped his situation might turn around. That hope was sadly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
The finest journalism
