Mikhail Gorbachev, the accidental hero

That frightening episode would suddenly disrupt her conversation. When that occurred, we waited mid-sentence until she overcame that memory and resumed her conversation fluently.

Another possible source of regret was Putin's reversal of Gorbachev's goal of Russia's being part of the "European home". Gorbachev wanted to create a modern, European-focussed Russia. It will take many years to reverse the damage Putin has done to Russian relations with Europe.

Overall, a remarkable and eventful life. We have all benefitted from Gorbachev's being on this planet.