Soviet Union: Taking Root

Seeds of hope for Andropov

Since he replaced Leonid Brezhnev last November, Soviet Leader Yuri Andropov has, whether by choice or political necessity, maintained a low domestic profile. Now, however, the name of the stooped and often visibly tired former KGB chief is beginning to sprout more frequently on the front pages of Soviet newspapers. Moreover, in a long Pravda article published last week, Defense Minister Marshal Dmitri Ustinov for the first time referred to Andropov as Chairman of the Defense Council. The new title meant that Andropov now holds a post equivalent to commander in chief, thereby occupying two...

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