While we look back on the past year, a selection of outstanding feature-length stories stands out. Such pieces explore multifaceted subjects ranging from political intrigue and scientific revelations to deeply personal sagas.
The Enigmatic Author and the Soul of a Nation
An author rose to fame in the nineties with biting commentaries on authoritarianism. Although several of his literary peers have faced suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of books. This poses a key query: Has the author become an defender for the Kremlin?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Devastating Conflict
The account of a young man, who at 18 was told that his only route out of prison was to join the regime forces. Following fourteen long years, his history as one of Assad's fighters may now get him killed.
A Acrimonious Argument Over Our Earliest Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was hailed as completely changing the narrative of our human race. However, a faction was in agreement. The resulting intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of scholars ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in the Open
One woman was only a child when her household joined the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the appalling scale of abuse it had committed.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on Human Rights
Numerous voters expected that the former human rights lawyer would restore the the nation's dedication to human rights. Yet, the record over the past year has been notably inconsistent.
Shattering a Country's Myth
A documentary tracking a repentant master criminal as she records unscrupulous clients with hidden cameras asks thorny queries: Is she genuinely a new person, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Difficult Stains
From crime scenes to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their stickiest times, families rely on him to bring back normalcy.
Can an Famous Museum Survive an "Multifaceted Crisis"?
Plagued by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the exposure of an internal thief, Britain's leading cultural institution is in a major crisis. The challenge remains: Can it restore its legacy?
Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once labeled 'dangerous sickness' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an consistent treatment solution – up until potentially now.
A Spectre of Radicalism in Modern Politics
A militant extremist and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings shape the uppermost levels of the state.
An British Gentleman With a Fraudulent Side
With his keen mind and sterling credentials, it's little wonder that high-net-worth clients trusted him with their fortunes. Until they began to get uneasy.
A Tiny State That Became the Global Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has risen as a major force on the international scene, striving to broker peace in some of the most long-standing conflicts. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented project?
A Inside View at a Leader Gearing Up for International Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to handle a particular former American leader. Seven years after their last encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the daughter of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn infant?
The End of a Major Development Organization: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to wind down a prominent aid agency, many around the globe were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent letdown was not unexpected.
The Disturbing Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s came to light, there was widespread shock. But the exact nature of the procedures is still partially shrouded.
The "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured a full day in a vat of goo, 48 hours underground – and distributed huge amounts of cash to selected contestants. But are these stunts simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or works of artistic brilliance?
Existence in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's residents is confronting the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The pressing issue is: To where are they supposed to relocate?
One Sorrowful Story of Youth Homelessness
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then believed his life could improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.
The International Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a permanent move to China. Now, he might possess the secret to which nation wins the global technological rivalry.
The finest stories
