The death of a veteran Communist reformer draws attention to the remarkable story of the fall of the East German dictatorship.
Category: Personalities
Death of a scoundrel
The death in exile of Pakistan's General Musharraf reminds us of the foolishness of a foreign policy based on disdain for democracy.
Another Republican steps up
A second candidate is ready to enter the race for next year's Republican nomination. By current Republican standards she could almost count as a moderate.
A Greek lesson for Australia Day
Australia Day reminds us that national unity cannot be manufactured artificially, a lesson also illustrated by the story of the last king of Greece.
Change on the way in New Zealand
New Zealand is in for change at the top - certainly in coming days, and quite probably again in October.
Death of a compromiser
Jiang Zemin, dead at 96, became a powerful leader of China through his ability to position himself between liberals and conservatives.
Anwar takes his chance
The arrival in power of Anwar Ibrahim is a product of Malaysia's fractured party system but is also an inspiring personal story.
Democrats win the optics
The Republican Party underperforms expectations in the US midterms, greatly reducing the likelihood of Donald Trump getting a clear run for the 2024 nomination.
Gerontocracy marches on
India's Congress Party has a new leader, but it's far from clear that he can provide the dynamism needed in difficult times.
Italy turns Trumpist?
Alarm bells in Europe as the right scores a clear victory in Italy. The comparison with America's Trump moment is instructive.
The World is Not Enough 