Word: gorbachev
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...furor over Eduard Shevardnadze's resignation had the air of a dry run for a much bigger event that suddenly seemed entirely plausible: Mikhail Gorbachev himself quits in disgust or exhaustion or defeat, and the world is abruptly confronted not just with a new Soviet leader but a new -- or perhaps an old -- Soviet Union...
...public to assure everyone that American policy is "not one that's based on personality." Translation: we're not betting on the fortunes and stamina of any individual foreign leader; we're pursuing U.S. interests, period. There would probably be a similar statement from the White House if Gorbachev departed the scene under almost any circumstances...
...American advice to wait and see did not sit well with the West Europeans, who could see how Gorbachev was transforming their continent. Meanwhile, East European reformers argued to Bush that the success of their own programs depended on the continuation of perestroika, and Eduard Shevardnadze convinced Baker that perestroika depended on Gorbachev's ability to control the change without resorting to a violent crackdown...
...Houston, Baker warned Shevardnadze that resorting to repression could damage superpower relations. At the same time critics charge that propping up Gorbachev's failing economy could retard rather than promote reform, especially since the aid is being delivered to central authorities instead of the individual republics. Gorbachev has come under fire for balking at truly radical market solutions, settling for half measures. Critics say he is undermining his commitment to private enterprise by trying to root out the thug-infested black market when he should be encouraging its entrepreneurial spirit...
Among the most generous rescue efforts are those from Germany. Chancellor Helmut Kohl is eager both to reward Gorbachev's support for unification and to promote stability as a way of keeping hordes of hungry Russians from heading west. The Germans have promised nearly $10 billion in aid, as well as enough meat, milk and medicine for 10 million people for a month. With a sense of irony and shame, war veterans in Leningrad find themselves awaiting CARE packages from Germany nearly 50 years after the city's population was virtually starved in the siege. Many believe Leningrad is suffering...