Upon reflect on the past year, a selection of remarkable feature-length stories stands out. Such pieces probe intricate topics ranging from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human sagas.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Nation
Victor Pelevin became known in the 1990s with biting critiques on authoritarianism. While numerous of his writer contemporaries have encountered censorship or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of books. It poses a pertinent query: Has he turned into an supporter for the establishment?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Conflict
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way to escape prison was to enlist in the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers could still get him killed.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings
The discovery of ancient remains in the Chadian sands in 2001 was hailed as radically rewriting the narrative of our species. However, a faction was persuaded. The ensuing intense controversy has taken over the careers of researchers ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped uncover the shocking extent of mistreatment it had perpetrated.
The Statesman's Curious Record on Human Rights
A great many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's commitment to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been strikingly mixed.
Breaking a Country's Self-Image
A film following a remorseful master criminal as she sets up corrupt clients with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is this person really changed, and what are the filmmaker's own methods?
A Man Who Remediates Britain's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has seen – and restored – everything. In their stickiest hours, individuals turn to him to restore normalcy.
Will an Iconic Museum Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Burdened by restitution claims, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Agony of Severe Condition
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries lacked an effective treatment end – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A violent fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. In the present day, his ideology influence the very highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant mind and sterling credentials, it's understandable that wealthy individuals trusted him with their assets. Until they began to become wary.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Mediation Hub
An astonishingly rich country has risen as a significant force on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are behind this ambitious project?
An Close-Up View at a Leader Preparing for Global Summitry
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to manage a certain sitting US president. Seven years after their last meeting, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.
Inside the Court Case of a Tragic Story
What led to the child of an aristocrat find herself at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old infant?
An End of a Major Aid Agency: Far From Universal Regret
When efforts were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was not unexpected.
The Shocking Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread shock. But the full story of what happened is still partially unclear.
The "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of cash to lucky participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy entertainment – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Nation Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the possibility that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Childhood Destitution
When I encountered Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his life could turn around. I was devastatingly wrong.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In the recent past, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he could possess the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The most impactful stories
