[Michael81Dus]

What is that with you Freepers that you think that Reagan managed the end of the Cold War by himself?? Hey, he surely has set important signs, his policy (and the support of Thatcher, Kohl) have were the reason for the economic crush of the Eastern Empire, but we know that evil regimes which are economically down, can survive politically with military power (N Korea, Iraq).

Therefore I suggest, that you do not underestimate the achievements of Kohls and Bushs meetings with the reunification-opponents Gorbatchov (at the beginning of the uprises in the GDR), Thatcher and Mitterand.

Just imagine what would have happened if Clinton and Schröder had ruled the US and W Germany! They had said: "We don´t care, kill your opponents, this is not our business!" Maybe they´d have sent billions of $ to aid them...

I repeat it: without Bush and Kohl there would have been not such a fast end of the Communist empire. And without the solidarnosc-movement in Poland, Gorbatchov probably would have never enforced Peristroika. Still, mainly responsible for the end of the Cold War are Gorbatchov and Bush.

[Neophyte]

Never sais a word against Kohl, Bush senior, or Thatcher on this topic. But Willy Brandt was an @$$hole, and with a Soviet spy for a private secretary, too.

[americanbychoice]

Sorry Michael, The one Person who had more to do with the fall of the Soviet Union than anyone else, was REAGAN.

[Prodigal Son]

What is that with you Freepers that you think that Reagan managed the end of the Cold War by himself??

Nobody says this. There were many many people and different American Presidents that contributed. We are all aware of this. 'Ich bin ein Berliner' anyone? Do you think this is lost on anybody here? The Berlin airlift was also a key moment.

And I would remind you that you are a Freeper as well. So, it isn't 'you Freepers'. You are one of us. Don't create a dichotomy where one need not exist... It just isn't wise. It is better to discuss matters where we agree. This is what friendship and alliance is all about. Focusing on our differences is a recipe for more disagreement. You are a Freeper too.