Upon reflect on the past year, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories stands out. These pieces explore intricate topics including political machinations and historical revelations to deeply human journeys.
The Mysterious Writer and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the 1990s with sharp commentaries on power. Whereas several of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or left the nation, he still sell vast numbers of books. This poses a pertinent query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his past as one of Assad's soldiers might still put him in mortal danger.
A Acrimonious Feud Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The finding of fossilised remains in the Djurab sands in 2001 was proclaimed as completely changing the story of our species. Yet, not everyone was in agreement. The ensuing bitter controversy has consumed the careers of scholars ever since.
The British Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a young girl when her family became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.
The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on International Law
Numerous supporters hoped that the prime minister would reaffirm the the nation's dedication to human rights. However, the track record over the first year in office has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Identity
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises difficult questions: Is this person really reformed, and is the director's own intentions?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes
From homicide sites to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and dealt with – everything. In their most challenging moments, families turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Burdened by restitution claims, strained finances and the discovery of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in serious difficulty. The question remains: Can it restore its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has long been without an consistent medical remedy – up until possibly now.
A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent extremist and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings permeate the very highest echelons of the state.
The English Professional With a Dishonest Side
With his brilliant intellect and impeccable reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become wary.
The Tiny Nation That Emerged as the World's Diplomatic Center
An astonishingly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a key force on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What are driving this unprecedented endeavor?
A Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he presents himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer joined him as he readied himself for battle.
Inside the Trial of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with the death of their newborn infant?
An End of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.
The Shocking 1960s Study on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s became public, there was immense outrage. But the precise nature of what happened is still somewhat unclear.
The "Genius" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed enormous sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Existence in a Country Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing issue is: To where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Childhood Destitution
As I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his life could change for the better. That hope was sadly mistaken.
A International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Pivotal Defection
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the answers to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
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