Latest from Briar Stewart
CBC IN TURKEY
Fragile ceasefire leaves Iranians outside country torn about returning home
For Iranians at the Kapikoy-Razi border crossing in eastern Turkey, there was a mix of optimism and confusion — hope that a delicate truce could be maintained despite the violent swings that have gripped the region in the last couple of weeks.
CBC IN TURKEY
As airstrikes intensify, Iranians are flocking to the borders
Some Iranians are fleeing the country to escape the attacks while others are trying to enter Iran to reunite with their families, after days of internet blackouts made it impossible to contact them.
Analysis
Russia wants to mediate in the Middle East. But it seems unprepared to help strategic ally Iran
Iran is a strategic partner to Russia, but Moscow isn't rushing to Tehran's aid in the face of Israeli strikes.
Russia and Ukraine are returning the bodies of their soldiers. It's a grim snapshot of battlefield loss
As part of a deal to exchange prisoners of war, Ukraine and Russia are repatriating the remains of thousands of soldiers killed in the war.
Analysis
In using cheap drones to take out prized Russian bombers, Ukraine sends a defiant message
Ukraine's brazen attack on Russian airfields overnight sent a strong message ahead of peace talks. It also delivered a warning about the vulnerability of strategic assets against cheap and plentiful drones.
Russia is using its army to try to take more of Ukraine. It's using its passports to control the population
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree that forces Ukrainians to legalize their status in occupied territories — or leave. Already, many Ukrainians had been forced to accept Russian citizenship in occupied areas to maintain their homes or access to health care and education.
At PoW homecoming, some Ukrainian families reunite as others seek word on loved ones
A few hours before the buses were expected to pull up carrying more than 300 Ukrainian soldiers who had just been released from Russian prison, dozens of women arrived clutching photos and holding posters in a desperate bid for information.
Analysis
Putin has more to gain by not showing up to ceasefire talks, Russia watchers say
Ukraine and Russia will meet for direct peace talks in Istanbul on Thursday, but Putin may not show.
As Russia rallies the troops to mark Victory Day, it's using the past to try to justify its war on Ukraine
Russia is marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day as a few dozen leaders fly in to watch and meet with Putin. Victory day has become an opportunity for Russia to try to frame the Ukraine war in the same light as the second world war.
As cardinals meet to pick next pope, church remains divided on how accepting Catholic tradition should be
As cardinals prepare to meet to select the next pope, many are wondering what stance his successor will take on social issues, including those relating to 2SLGBTQ+.