🔗 Share this article

As we consider the year gone by, a curated list of remarkable feature-length stories stands out. These narratives delve into intricate subjects ranging from geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly personal journeys.

A Enigmatic Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country

A certain Russian novelist became known in the nineties with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas numerous of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the nation, he still move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pressing question: Has he turned into an apologist for the Kremlin?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Devastating Conflict

The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way out of prison was to join the regime military. Following fourteen long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now put him in mortal danger.

The Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The discovery of ancient bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as fundamentally re-writing the history of our species. Yet, some scholars was persuaded. The ensuing bitter scholarly debate has dominated the careers of scholars ever since.

The UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open

One woman was just a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking breadth of abuse it had carried out.

The Prime Minister's Puzzling Record on International Law

A great many followers anticipated that the prime minister would renew the Britain's dedication to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly ambiguous.

Challenging a Country's Self-Image

A film tracking a repentant con artist as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she really a new person, and is the director's own motives?

A Man Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Scenes

From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest hours, families depend on him to bring back normalcy.

Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Omni-Crisis"?

Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to restore its standing?

More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Severe Pregnancy

Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable medical solution – until perhaps now.

A Legacy of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics

A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah thirty-five years ago. Now, his teachings shape the highest echelons of the state.

An British Gentleman With a Crooked Secret

With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's little wonder that wealthy individuals entrusted him with their assets. Until they began to get suspicious.

The Tiny Nation That Became the Global Diplomatic Hub

An incredibly wealthy country has become a key actor on the international scene, working to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?

An Close-Up Look at a President Preparing for International Battle

Deeply unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the leader uniquely positioned to handle a particular sitting US president. Seven years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.

Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case

What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?

An Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Far From Widespread Regret

When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest disappointment was far from unexpected.

A Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women

When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was immense outrage. But the precise story of what happened is still somewhat shrouded.

The "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of money to selected participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or acts of daring genius?

Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The critical issue is: To where are they going to go?

One Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Destitution

When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his life might improve. I was tragically misplaced.

A Global AI Race and a Crucial Move

In 2020, after living decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the key to who prevails in the global AI race.

The most impactful stories