As we reflect on the past year, a assortment of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. These pieces explore complex themes ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human stories.
A Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Nation
An author gained prominence in the nineties with biting commentaries on power. Although several of his literary contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. It poses a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was told that his only path out of incarceration was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his past as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might now put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The unearthing of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was heralded as completely changing the narrative of our human race. Yet, a faction was convinced. The subsequent intense argument has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.
A UK Sect That Operated in the Open
One woman was just a child when her family joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she helped reveal the appalling scale of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. But, the record over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Nation's Myth
A film tracking a repentant con artist as she sets up corrupt clients with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's own motives?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging hours, individuals rely on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Burdened by colonial controversy, strained funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has long lacked an effective medical solution – up until potentially now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and early advocate of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas permeate the highest echelons of government.
An English Professional With a Dishonest Secret
With his sharp intellect and impeccable background, it's understandable that affluent individuals entrusted him with their wealth. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital
An incredibly wealthy country has become a significant player on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most complex conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious role?
An Inside Look at a President Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, President Macron relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Not Universal Mourning
When efforts were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific experiment in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread shock. But the full nature of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Economy
He's spent 24 hours in slime, two days underground – and given away huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's population is confronting the possibility that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life could improve. I was tragically wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after living decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to China. Now, he could possess the secret to who prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
