Word: brezhnevs
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...WEST HAD LONG BRACED itself for the death of Leonid I. Brezhnev, but the quick succession of the 75-year-old Soviet leader last week caught even the most seasoned Kremlin watchers off guard United States analysts differed considerably in interpreting the effects on Soviet behavior of the unexpectedly rapid ascension to power of Yuri Andropov, the former head...
Some observers, like former President Jimmy Carter, suggested that Andropov may feel impelled to flex his country's military muscles in his first months as general secretary of the Communist Party. Such a gesture would presumably cement the tentative legitimacy of the former Brezhnev aide. Others depicted the new leader as being more pragmatic in foreign affairs than his predecessor. In this view, Andropov might focus his energies on firming up the tottering Soviet economy, seeking success in the area where Brezhnev failed most...
Andropov chuckled and quickly reassured her. "No, no, it's a wonderful event of the highest magnitude, Guess who was made chairman of the committee to organize dear departed comrade Brezhnev's funeral? Me, that's who. So bully on Chernenko, I've got the chairmanship of the party locked...
...Comrades, here is what I would like you to do for our little party," said Brezhnev after among moment of silence. Andropov and Chernenko waited in apprehension for their boss to continue. "You Yun Andropov, will be in charge of buying the cake and cutting it You, Konstantin Chernenko, will organize the clean-up afterwards...
Andropov had trouble containing his excitement. After all, he had won a major victory against Chernenko. But he managed to keep his composure. "Thank you, Comrade Brezhnev for this great honor We will have a most magnificent cake. And Comrade Chernenko, we shall try not to make too much of a mess for you" With that biting remark. Andropov excused himself and rushed home to tell his wife the good news...