Mikhail Gorbachev, Reformist Soviet Leader, Is Dead at 91

[Snarky Oracle!]

Mikhail S. Gorbachev, whose rise to power in the Soviet Union set in motion a series of revolutionary changes that transformed the map of Europe and ended the Cold War that had threatened the world with nuclear annihilation, has died in Moscow. He was 91



I didn't know he was alive!

 

[Michelle Stevens]

I remember when he became General Secretary of the Communist Party in 1985 and at 54 he was considered such a young and energetic leader, especially compared to his three predessors. He just come to power too late to really save the USSR and the decade of misery that followed in Russia help bring Putin to power. He certain was more popular in the West than at home. A great figure of the later 20th century and in a way like Yeltsin a failed visionary. I'd be curious what he thought of the Ukraine situation. He helped save the world, for at least thirty years.

Rest in Peace Gorby!