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While we consider the year gone by, a assortment of exceptional feature-length stories emerges. Such pieces probe intricate themes including geopolitical machinations and historical revelations to profoundly human sagas.

The Puzzling Writer and the Soul of a Country

An author rose to fame in the 1990s with scathing satires on autocratic rule. While many of his literary peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of copies. It raises a pertinent query: Has he turned into an apologist for the establishment?

Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Conflict

The tale of a young man, who at 18 was informed that his sole path out of incarceration was to enlist in the regime forces. Following 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's fighters might still put him in mortal danger.

The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Beginnings

The finding of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was heralded as radically re-writing the history of our species. However, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent bitter argument has consumed the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.

A UK Cult That Hid in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her household became part of the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in uncover the shocking breadth of exploitation it had perpetrated.

A Statesman's Unexpected Stance on Human Rights

Numerous followers hoped that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. But, the track record over the first year in office has been curiously ambiguous.

Breaking a Country's Self-Image

A film tracking a remorseful fraudster as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording poses thorny questions: Is this person really changed, and is the director's true intentions?

The Person Who Remediates the UK's Most Difficult Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their stickiest hours, people rely on him to restore order.

Can an Iconic Institution Survive an "Perfect Storm"?

Plagued by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an internal thief, Britain's premier cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Is it possible to restore its legacy?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Agony of Extreme Condition

Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries lacked an consistent treatment solution – until perhaps now.

The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A militant fanatic and pioneer of hate, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast thirty-five years ago. Today, his teachings permeate the uppermost echelons of government.

An English Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side

With his brilliant mind and impeccable background, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their fortunes. Then they began to get uneasy.

A Small State That Became the World's Mediation Capital

An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant force on the world stage, striving to mediate some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are behind this ambitious role?

A Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Battle

Extremely unpopular at home, the French leader relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle a particular sitting American leader. 7 years after their previous encounter, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Story

What led to the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with killing their newborn infant?

An End of a Major Aid Organization: Far From Universal Regret

When efforts were made to dismantle a prominent development organization, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was far from unforeseen.

A Shocking 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers

When information about a medical study in the 1960s were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the exact truth of the procedures remains partially shrouded.

A "Master" of the Attention Age

He's spent 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away enormous sums of cash to lucky participants. But are these videos simply very savvy entertainment – or works of artistic genius?

Existence in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas

With sea levels rising, much of this Pacific island nation's residents is grappling with the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they supposed to go?

One Heartbreaking Case of Youth Destitution

When I met a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation could turn around. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.

The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Move

In the recent past, after living half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Today, he may hold the key to who wins the global AI race.

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