Upon look back on the past year, a selection of remarkable feature-length stories shines. These pieces probe complex themes from geopolitical intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly personal sagas.
A Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Nation
A certain Russian novelist rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing critiques on power. While several of his literary contemporaries have encountered censorship or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. This prompts a key query: Has he become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his sole path out of prison was to join the government military. After 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers could now cost him his life.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of ancient remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the story of our human race. But, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent intense argument has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The UK Sect That Operated in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the appalling scale of abuse it had carried out.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous voters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the UK's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the past year has been notably mixed.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary following a remorseful master criminal as she records unscrupulous individuals with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she truly a new person, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their stickiest times, families depend on him to bring back peace.
Will an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's number one cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Agony of Severe Condition
Known as hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an effective medical solution – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Government
A militant extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideas influence the very highest echelons of government.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and flawless background, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Became the Global Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy country has become a significant actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most complex disputes. Which factors are behind this ambitious endeavor?
A Inside View at a Leader Preparing for International Battle
Deeply disliked at home, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he prepared for battle.
During the Trial of a Heartbreaking Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unforeseen.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the 1960s became public, there was widespread shock. But the full nature of the events is still somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Attention Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, two days buried alive – and given away vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever clickbait – or acts of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is confronting the possibility that their islands may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still believed his situation could turn around. That hope was tragically wrong.
A International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Key Defection
In 2020, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to China. Today, he could hold the secret to who wins the global technological rivalry.
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