Upon consider the previous year, a selection of exceptional feature-length stories emerges. Such pieces probe complex subjects from political intrigue and historical revelations to deeply human stories.
A Puzzling Author and the Conscience of a Country
An author gained prominence in the nineties with scathing satires on autocratic rule. Whereas several of his writer contemporaries have encountered suppression or left the country, he continues to move millions of books. It prompts a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an defender for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole route out of incarceration was to join the regime military. Following 14 years, his past as one of Assad's fighters could now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Dispute Over Our Ancient Beginnings
The unearthing of ancient remains in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely changing the narrative of our human race. But, some scholars was convinced. The ensuing heated controversy has consumed the careers of researchers ever since.
The British Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in uncover the appalling extent of exploitation it had carried out.
The Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
A great many followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to international law. But, the record over the past year has been notably ambiguous.
Challenging a Country's Identity
A documentary featuring a repentant master criminal as she ensnares corrupt clients with hidden cameras poses complex questions: Is this person genuinely a new person, and what are the director's true motives?
A Person Who Cleans the UK's Darkest Scenes
From homicide sites to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their most challenging moments, people rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, the UK's premier museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it restore its reputation?
More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": The Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this illness has long lacked an reliable treatment solution – up until possibly now.
The Spectre of Extremism in Modern Government
A violent fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his ideology shape the highest echelons of the state.
The British Gentleman With a Crooked Side
With his sharp intellect and sterling reputation, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny Nation That Became the Global Mediation Capital
An extremely rich country has transformed into a major actor on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. What are fueling this ambitious project?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he presents himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a certain former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Court Case of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
An Dismantling of a Major Development Organization: Not Universal Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unforeseen.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on South Asian Women
When details about a medical experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of the events is still partially contested.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast sums of money to selected contestants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their home may soon become uninhabitable. The pressing question is: To where are they going to go?
A Heartbreaking Case of Childhood Homelessness
When I met a young boy he was thirteen and without a home. Even then thought his situation could turn around. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
A Global AI Race and a Crucial Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the US, a leading AI scientist took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he could possess the secret to which nation prevails in the worldwide AI race.
The finest stories
