Upon reflect on the year gone by, a selection of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. Such pieces delve into intricate themes from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
A Mysterious Novelist and the Soul of a Country
A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the nineties with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. While several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or fled the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. This poses a key question: Has he become an apologist for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in the Syrian Devastating Civil War
The tale of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only path out of incarceration was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's fighters may still put him in mortal danger.
A Bitter Dispute Over Humanity's Earliest Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Chadian sands in 2001 was proclaimed as radically rewriting the story of our human race. However, a faction was persuaded. The subsequent bitter scholarly debate has dominated the careers of researchers ever since.
A British Cult That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking scale of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Puzzling Record on International Law
Numerous voters expected that the prime minister would restore the UK's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously mixed.
Shattering a Country's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a repentant fraudster as she ensnares corrupt clients with covert recording asks complex queries: Is she really changed, and what are the director's own intentions?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their most challenging hours, people turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Famous Institution Endure an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by colonial controversy, precarious funding and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's premier museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Torture of Extreme Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this condition has for centuries been without an effective medical end – until possibly now.
The Legacy of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of hate, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the very highest levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his brilliant intellect and flawless credentials, it's understandable that affluent clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they began to get suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Hub
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has become a major actor on the international scene, attempting to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. Which factors are fueling this ambitious role?
A Inside View at a President Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he presents himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a certain former American leader. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the summit.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with killing their two-week-old infant?
The End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Regret
When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were taken aback. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unforeseen.
A Disturbing 1960s Study on Indian Mothers
When information about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the precise truth of the events is still somewhat shrouded.
The "Master" of the Attention Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, two days underground – and showered vast amounts of money to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly clever entertainment – or acts of artistic genius?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is confronting the prospect that their islands may in the near future become uninhabitable. The critical question is: To where are they going to go?
A Tragic Case of Childhood Destitution
As I met Craig he was 13 and without a home. Even then believed his situation could improve. That hope was sadly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection
In 2020, after living half his life in the US, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to China. Today, he may possess the secret to which nation wins the worldwide AI race.
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