As we consider the previous year, a selection of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. Such pieces explore complex subjects ranging from political machinations and scientific discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
A Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Country
Victor Pelevin rose to fame in the nineties with sharp commentaries on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced censorship or left the nation, he continues to move vast numbers of copies. It prompts a pressing query: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The account of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his sole path out of prison was to join the regime military. After fourteen years, his former role as one of Assad's soldiers might now get him killed.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The finding of ancient bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was heralded as fundamentally rewriting the narrative of our species. However, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent bitter argument has consumed the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
The British Sect That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a young girl when her family became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped reveal the appalling breadth of abuse it had perpetrated.
A Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
Numerous supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the Britain's commitment to international law. Yet, the track record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film following a repentant con artist as she records unscrupulous clients with covert recording raises complex questions: Is she genuinely reformed, and is the director's true intentions?
A Man Who Remediates the UK's Darkest Scenes
From crime scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has witnessed – and restored – it all. In their stickiest moments, families turn to him to bring back order.
Will an Iconic Institution Endure an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, strained finances and the exposure of an internal thief, the UK's premier cultural institution is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Severe Pregnancy
Known as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has for centuries been without an effective treatment end – until possibly now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a marginalized outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings influence the uppermost levels of the state.
An English Gentleman With a Crooked Secret
With his sharp intellect and flawless reputation, it's no surprise that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their wealth. Then they started to become uneasy.
The Small Nation That Emerged as the World's Mediation Center
An extremely rich country has become a significant player on the international scene, attempting to broker peace in some of the most long-standing disputes. What are driving this ambitious endeavor?
An Inside Look at a Leader Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply unpopular at domestically, the French leader relishes the world stage, where he projects himself as the leader most equipped to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the a major court with her partner, facing charges with the death of their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US development organization, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this latest disappointment was not unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Women
When details about a medical study in the sixties were revealed, there was widespread outrage. But the full story of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Mozart" of the Online Age
He's spent 24 hours in slime, 48 hours buried alive – and given away vast amounts of money to lucky participants. But are these productions simply very clever clickbait – or acts of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is grappling with the reality that their islands may soon cease to exist. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
A Tragic Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
A Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Pivotal Move
In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he may hold the answers to which nation prevails in the global AI race.
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