|
Written by Jane Gerster Copy Editor, Digital News
|
|
|
|
Good morning. We'll tell you more about the prolonged efforts to identify fallen soldiers that resulted in an overdue funeral for a Manitoba man who died in the First World War. We'll also look at what Canada's decision to bet on Saudi Arabia — despite war and political risk — means. Plus, outrage over the deteriorating health of a Gaza hospital chief detained without charge for 18 months.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FEATURED STORIES
|
|
|
 |
(Angela Johnston/CBC)
|
|
|
Dozens of WWI remains found at French construction site — including a Canadian soldier
|
|
|
Pte. Albert Henry Detmold was buried in northern France last Thursday, more than a century after he was killed on Aug. 15, 1917.
What's happening: In 2020, the remains of more than 100 soldiers were found by crews constructing a new hospital in northern France — the site of a First World War battlefield. The discovery kicked off a multinational, multi-year effort to identify the fallen soldiers that is still ongoing. "To think that they've connected the dots … through DNA, anthropology, history. It's almost surreal," Detmold's great-niece says.
Why it matters: The Manitoba farmer's great-niece, Laura Walters, never knew about him — or his military service. But now she's had a chance to properly lay him to rest. She wept at his internment, surprised by the intensity of her emotion. "It's amazing to think that they are still identifying missing soldiers, and hopefully this can continue until they're all found."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canada is making a bet on Saudi Arabia
|
|
|
The risks of dealing with the kingdom are real, writes Evan Dyer in his analysis — so are the rewards.
What's happening: Mark Carney was in Saudi Arabia last week announcing plans to "increase exports from Canada's defence sector." But days later, the dormant conflict between the kingdom and its Houthi neighbours in Yemen flared up — a potential complication for Ottawa since the Saudis have previously been accused of indiscriminate bombing of the Houthis.
Why it matters: Carney's efforts aren't all about weapons. Part of the appeal is mining — there is an estimated $2.5 trillion in untapped gold, copper, zinc and more in the Arabian Shield. Plus, Canada is clearly looking to sever some of its U.S. dependency. Still, the question of social reforms is a live one.
"There seems to be a pretty clear hard-nosed pragmatic calculus on the part of the Carney government to put aside issues of human rights and other disagreements and to focus on those real but limited areas in which we do have a common interest," an Ottawa professor says.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Family of Gaza hospital chief detained by Israel 'shocked' over his deteriorating health condition
|
|
|
Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya has been detained without charge in Israeli custody since December 2024.
What's happening: Abu Safiya, 52, is the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, which he led through an 85-day siege in northern Gaza. He was among dozens taken prisoner after troops raided the hospital, and the Israel Defence Forces have accused him of being a member of Hamas — an accusation his family, Gaza's Health Ministry and Hamas all deny. Israel's Supreme Court rejected an appeal to release him last month, on the basis of "confidential materials."
Why it matters: Abu Safiya appeared in court via video link — triggering an outcry from his family and human rights organizations, as he appeared thinner and more frail. After visiting earlier this month, his lawyer reported fresh bruises and torture marks and said he was barely recognizable. Israel Prison Service has vehemently denied allegations of mistreatment against all detained health-care workers, calling them "false, outrageous and entirely without factual basis."
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | |
