Upon look back on the previous year, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories stands out. These pieces explore multifaceted themes from political intrigue and historical discoveries to deeply human journeys.
The Mysterious Novelist and the Conscience of a Country
An author rose to fame in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Although many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or fled the nation, he still move millions of copies. This poses a pressing question: Has the author become an apologist for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following 14 years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Argument Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised remains in the Djurab desert in 2001 was proclaimed as fundamentally changing the history of our species. Yet, a faction was convinced. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her household joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.
The Leader's Puzzling Record on International Law
Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the Britain's commitment to international law. However, the record over the past year has been curiously ambiguous.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film following a repentant fraudster as she sets up corrupt individuals with hidden cameras poses thorny questions: Is this person genuinely changed, and what are the director's own methods?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, families depend on him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Beset by debates over its collection, difficult finances and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – up until potentially now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas permeate the very highest levels of the state.
An British Professional With a Fraudulent Side
With his sharp intellect and flawless reputation, it's little wonder that affluent individuals trusted him with their assets. Then they started to become uneasy.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An astonishingly wealthy country has risen as a significant actor on the world stage, working to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
An Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely disliked at home, the French leader enjoys the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader best placed to deal with a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he prepared for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Development Agency: Far From Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest letdown was far from unexpected.
The Shocking 1960s Study on South Asian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense shock. But the full story of the procedures remains somewhat unclear.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then thought his life could improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The International Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he may hold the answers to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
The best journalism
