Sochi

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, shakes hands with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, left, during their joint news conference following Russian-Turkish talks in the Black sea resort of Sochi, Russia, on October 22, 2019.

Turkish diplomat: Syria deal 'huge step' for Turkish national security

Turkey will create a 20-mile "safe zone" at its border with Syria, but Kurdish-led fighters have to leave the area.

Turkish diplomat: Syria deal 'huge step' for Turkish national security
At the all-Russian Track and Field championships in Sochi, it's a little lonely: just the athletes, coaches, and a smattering of fans. The competitors are waiting to find out if they'll be allowed to compete in Rio.

Amid a doping scandal, Russian athletes wait to hear whether they can compete in Rio

Amid a doping scandal, Russian athletes wait to hear whether they can compete in Rio
A Kremlin spokesman — and a watch

Kremlin Watch: How does a Russian public servant afford a $620,000 watch?

Kremlin Watch: How does a Russian public servant afford a $620,000 watch?
Moscow's pedestrian underpasses technically have ramps, but you wouldn't want to go down them in a wheelchair. Some of them are pitched at a 45 degree angle.

Russians are turning out like never before for Paralympians in Sochi

Russians are turning out like never before for Paralympians in Sochi
Sochi

Ukraine is damaging Russia's $50 billion Olympic makeover

Ukraine is damaging Russia's $50 billion Olympic makeover
The Soviet-era central government complex in Sukhumi was nearly destroyed during the destructive 1992-93 war of secession that killed more than 20,000 people and forced more than 200,000 ethnic Georgians from their homes.

Abkhazians are missing out on Russia's $51 billion Olympic party

Abkhazia remains in limbo. It became a de facto independent state from Georgia, which claims the territory, back in the 1990s. But just a handful of states — Russia, its largest benefactor, and about four others — recognize it as independent. And even though the most recent Olympics were in Russia, it wasn't invited to the party.

Abkhazians are missing out on Russia's $51 billion Olympic party

After all the talk about security in Sochi, things have been pretty smooth

Much was made about security before the Sochi Olympics began. Now that the games are winding down what

After all the talk about security in Sochi, things have been pretty smooth
Children pose for a picture outside of the Sochi Olympic Park.

The Sochi Olympics project a happier, friendlier Russia. Locals wish that were true

Russia is projecting a new image at these Olympics: a helpful, welcoming Russia. Suddenly police are friendlier, politicians meet with activists, people are recycling. It's a version of Russia a lot of people would like to have, but it may not last beyond the games.

The Sochi Olympics project a happier, friendlier Russia. Locals wish that were true

A Canadian curling legend is going for gold as coach of China's curling team

China has embraced the sport of curling and both the men's and women's teams have performed well in Sochi. It's not surprising considering both teams are being coached by a Canadian curling legend.

A Canadian curling legend is going for gold as coach of China's curling team
Russia Bobsled

Visitors to the Sochi Olympics are enthralled, residents are less so

The worries about unfinished hotels and possible terrorism at the Olympics have receded as people the world over have become enthralled with the athletes and the competition. But when the games wrap up, Sochi residents are wondering if their city's big projects will get completed.

Visitors to the Sochi Olympics are enthralled, residents are less so

In Sochi, a pop star won first while a violinist finished last

Slovenia's Tina Maze comes from a hardscrabble mining town that has turned out a half-dozen Olympians. Tuesday Maze managed to capture her second gold at Sochi, in giant slalom. Last in the race: a virtuoso violinist competing for Thailand.

In Sochi, a pop star won first while a violinist finished last
Team USA's new 2-man bobsled is set to make its Olympic debut this weekend in Sochi.

US bobsledders go for gold next week, driving a BMW

The US once dominated the 2-man bobsled competition at the Winter Olympics — 80 years ago. Now they hope to win gold in Sochi, by driving "The Ultimate Sledding Machine."

US bobsledders go for gold next week, driving a BMW
Downhill Skiing Gold

Two downhill skiers tie for an Olympic gold medal, but did one actually win?

The joint gold medal is a first for any skiing event in Olympic history. It's the result of the quirky nature of time keeping.

Two downhill skiers tie for an Olympic gold medal, but did one actually win?
Women's Ice Hockey

In women's Olympic ice hockey, the US-Canada rivalry is mean and deep

The two women's teams are so powerful and skilled that everybody else at the Olympics doesn't stand a chance. And that has led to a brutal rivalry.

In women's Olympic ice hockey, the US-Canada rivalry is mean and deep
Paul Varadian

The Olympics are launching small-town Sochi into an international sports-hosting future

A Boston business consultant has watched Sochi transform from a town that rarely saw foreigners into Russia's future sports-hosting venue for international competitions, including the 2018 World Cup.

The Olympics are launching small-town Sochi into an international sports-hosting future