Upon reflect on the past year, a curated list of exceptional feature-length stories emerges. Such accounts explore multifaceted subjects including geopolitical intrigue and scientific revelations to profoundly personal sagas.
A Mysterious Writer and the Conscience of a Country
Victor Pelevin gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Although several of his writer peers have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to sell vast numbers of books. It poses a pertinent question: Has the author evolved into an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Collaboration in the Syrian Brutal Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at eighteen was told that his only path to escape prison was to join the regime military. Following 14 long years, his history as one of Assad's soldiers could now put him in mortal danger.
A Fierce Feud Over Our Earliest Origins
The discovery of ancient bones in the Chadian desert in 2001 was hailed as radically changing the narrative of our human race. However, not everyone was persuaded. The subsequent intense scholarly debate has consumed the lives of researchers ever since.
A British Religious Group That Operated in Plain Sight
One woman was just a young girl when her household joined the a religious community. As an grown woman, she played a key role in expose the disturbing extent of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Record on International Law
Many supporters anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would renew the the nation's dedication to international law. However, the performance over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she records corrupt clients with covert recording raises thorny questions: Is this person truly changed, and is the filmmaker's own intentions?
The Person Who Decontaminates the UK's Most Difficult Stains
From murder scenes to whale blubber, an extreme cleaner has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest times, people turn to him to bring back order.
Can an Renowned Institution Weather an "Perfect Storm"?
Beset by debates over its collection, precarious finances and the revelation of an insider theft, the UK's number one museum is in deep trouble. The challenge remains: Can it salvage its reputation?
More Than "Morning Sickness": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long lacked an effective treatment remedy – until potentially now.
A Legacy of Extremism in Contemporary Government
A militant fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah 35 years ago. Now, his teachings influence the highest echelons of the state.
An English Professional With a Crooked Side
With his keen intellect and flawless credentials, it's no surprise that high-net-worth individuals trusted him with their wealth. Until they began to become uneasy.
A Small State That Became the World's Mediation Center
An extremely rich Gulf state has risen as a key actor on the international scene, working to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious project?
An Close-Up View at a President Gearing Up for Global Summitry
Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the world arena, where he positions himself as the leader uniquely positioned to deal with a particular sitting US president. 7 years after their last encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he readied himself for the fray.
During the Trial of a Tragic Story
How did the daughter of an wealthy family end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, facing charges with the death of their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Development Organization: Not Widespread Regret
When actions were made to wind down a major US aid agency, many around the world were taken aback. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this latest betrayal was not unexpected.
The Unethical Mid-Century Study on Indian Mothers
When details about a scientific study in the 1960s became public, there was widespread outrage. But the full truth of what happened is still partially unclear.
A "Master" of the Online Age
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, 48 hours buried alive – and distributed huge amounts of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very clever entertainment – or acts of avant garde genius?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Rising Ocean
With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's population is confronting the prospect that their homeland may soon become uninhabitable. The urgent question is: Where are they going to go?
A Sorrowful Story of Youth Destitution
When I encountered a young boy he was 13 and homeless. Even then thought his situation might change for the better. I was devastatingly mistaken.
A Global AI Race and a Crucial Defection
In the recent past, after spending half his life in the United States, a leading AI scientist took a permanent move to his home country. Today, he might hold the answers to who wins the global AI race.
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