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As we consider the past year, a assortment of remarkable feature-length stories stands out. Such pieces probe multifaceted subjects including geopolitical intrigue and scientific discoveries to profoundly human sagas.

The Enigmatic Author and the Moral Fabric of a Nation

An author gained prominence in the 1990s with biting critiques on power. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. This poses a key question: Has the author evolved into an apologist for the regime?

Survival and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War

The account of a young man, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his sole way out of prison was to enlist in the regime military. After 14 long years, his former role as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might still get him killed.

A Acrimonious Argument Over Humanity's Ancient Origins

The finding of ancient remains in the Chadian desert in the early 2000s was heralded as radically rewriting the history of our human race. However, some scholars was persuaded. The resulting bitter scholarly debate has taken over the lives of researchers ever since.

A UK Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight

Philippa Barnes was just a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in reveal the disturbing scale of abuse it had perpetrated.

The Statesman's Unexpected Record on Human Rights

Numerous followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's commitment to human rights. Yet, the record over the first year in office has been strikingly ambiguous.

Breaking a Country's Identity

A documentary tracking a repentant con artist as she ensnares corrupt individuals with covert recording raises difficult queries: Is she really reformed, and what are the filmmaker's own intentions?

A Man Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Scenes

From homicide sites to whale blubber, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, individuals turn to him to bring back order.

Can an Famous Museum Weather an "Perfect Storm"?

Burdened by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading museum is in serious difficulty. The challenge remains: Is it possible to repair its reputation?

Beyond "Pregnancy Nausea": The Suffering of Extreme Condition

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 treatment remedy – up until possibly now.

The Ghost of Extremism in Contemporary Government

A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a marginalized pariah 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the highest echelons of the state.

An English Professional With a Crooked Secret

With his sharp mind and sterling credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become wary.

The Small State That Emerged as the World's Mediation Capital

An astonishingly rich Gulf state has transformed into a key actor on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most long-standing disputes. What are behind this ambitious role?

An Inside View at a President Preparing for Global Battle

Deeply disliked at domestically, the French leader enjoys the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to handle a particular former US president. 7 years after their previous encounter, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Case

What led to the child of an wealthy family find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?

An End of a Global Aid Organization: Far From Widespread Mourning

When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the ground in a West African nation, this latest betrayal was far from unexpected.

A Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Women

When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was immense outrage. But the exact nature of what happened remains partially unclear.

A "Master" of the Online Economy

He's spent a full day in slime, two days buried alive – and showered enormous sums of cash to selected participants. But are these productions simply incredibly savvy clickbait – or acts of daring brilliance?

Life in a Nation Threatened by the Rising Ocean

With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's people is facing the prospect that their islands may soon cease to exist. The critical question is: To where are they supposed to relocate?

A Tragic Case of Childhood Homelessness

When I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then hoped his situation might change for the better. I was tragically mistaken.

A International AI Race and a Crucial Move

In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might possess the answers to who wins the worldwide technological rivalry.

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