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As we consider the past year, a assortment of exceptional feature-length stories shines. These pieces explore intricate subjects ranging from political intrigue and historical discoveries to profoundly human journeys.

A Enigmatic Novelist and the Conscience of a Country

A certain Russian novelist gained prominence in the post-Soviet era with sharp commentaries on authoritarianism. Whereas several of his writer peers have encountered suppression or left the nation, he continues to sell millions of copies. It poses a pressing question: Has the author turned into an supporter for the regime?

Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War

The account of Mustafa, who at 18 was given an ultimatum that his only path to escape prison was to enlist in the government forces. After fourteen long years, his former role as one of Assad's fighters might now cost him his life.

A Bitter Dispute Over Our Earliest Beginnings

The discovery of fossilised bones in the Djurab desert in the early 2000s was hailed as radically re-writing the history of our human race. However, some scholars was convinced. The subsequent heated scholarly debate has dominated the lives of scholars ever since.

The UK Sect That Operated in the Open

Philippa Barnes was just a young girl when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she helped expose the disturbing extent of mistreatment it had carried out.

The Prime Minister's Unexpected Record on Human Rights

Numerous supporters expected that the former human rights lawyer would reaffirm the UK's commitment to international law. But, the performance over the first year in office has been notably mixed.

Breaking a Nation's Myth

A documentary featuring a remorseful master criminal as she records corrupt individuals with covert recording poses thorny queries: Is she really changed, and is the filmmaker's own methods?

A Man Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains

From crime scenes to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and cleaned – everything. In their most challenging times, families depend on him to restore normalcy.

Will an Iconic Museum Weather an "Multifaceted Crisis"?

Beset by debates over its collection, difficult funding and the discovery of an insider theft, the UK's leading museum is in deep trouble. The question remains: Is it possible to salvage its legacy?

More Than "Pregnancy Nausea": A Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy

Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an reliable medical end – until perhaps now.

The Spectre of Extremism in Contemporary Politics

A violent extremist and pioneer of hate, a rabbi died a political outcast 35 years ago. In the present day, his teachings permeate the highest levels of government.

An English Professional With a Dishonest Side

With his keen intellect and flawless background, it's understandable that high-net-worth clients entrusted him with their assets. Then they began to become suspicious.

The Tiny State That Became the Global Diplomatic Center

An astonishingly rich country has transformed into a key force on the world stage, attempting to mediate some of the most intractable conflicts. What are fueling this unprecedented endeavor?

A Close-Up View at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle

Extremely unpopular at domestically, the French leader thrives on the international arena, where he projects himself as the statesman best placed to manage a certain sitting American leader. 7 years after their last meeting, a writer accompanied him as he readied himself for the summit.

During the Court Case of a Tragic Story

What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her companion, charged with the death of their two-week-old baby?

The End of a Major Aid Agency: Not Widespread Regret

When efforts were made to dismantle a major US aid agency, many around the globe were shocked. But on the front lines in Sierra Leone, this most recent disappointment was not unforeseen.

A Disturbing 1960s Experiment on Indian Mothers

When details about a medical study in the sixties came to light, there was widespread outrage. But the precise story of the events is still somewhat contested.

The "Mozart" of the Online Age

He's endured 24 hours in slime, 48 hours underground – and distributed vast sums of money to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of daring brilliance?

Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Ocean

With the ocean rising, much of Tuvalu's people is confronting the reality that their home may in the near future be submerged. The critical issue is: Where are they going to relocate?

A Sorrowful Case of Youth Homelessness

As I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still hoped his life might improve. That hope was devastatingly wrong.

A Global Artificial Intelligence Competition and a Key Defection

In 2020, after spending decades in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may possess the secret to who wins the global technological rivalry.

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