Kremlinologists in the West have long speculated that Soviet Communist Boss Leonid Brezhnev would sing his swan song at this year's 25th Party Congress. Some swan song.
When the Congress concluded its eleven-day session in Moscow last week, Brezhnev, 69, appeared to be more secure than ever in his power. He was reappointed to the all-powerful Politburo and re-elected party General Secretary. While the collective leadership is certainly not dead, Brezhnev is indisputably primus inter pares. He gave a five-hour keynote speech, belying speculation that he is incapacitated by ill-health. Throughout the...
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