Obituary

List of Obituary articles

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi adjusts his tie and grimaces during a news conference at the Chigi Palace in Rome on May 26, 2010. Behind him a painting shows a woman's outreached arm.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi adjusts his tie and grimaces during a news conference at the Chigi Palace in Rome on May 26, 2010. Behind him a painting shows a woman's outreached arm.

The Scandalous Life and Career of Silvio Berlusconi

The former Italian leader loved topless women and Vladimir Putin but hated being compared to Donald Trump.

Outgoing Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf in 2008
Outgoing Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf in 2008

Pervez Musharraf Dragged His Country Down

The charismatic Pakistani general aimed to be a great national leader but failed by shredding the constitution and recklessly doing Washington’s bidding.

Pope Benedict XVI at the end of his general weekly audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.
Pope Benedict XVI at the end of his general weekly audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.

Pope Benedict Was a Powerful, Flawed Leader in Turbulent Times

The former pontiff, known for decades as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, died at the age of 95.

Jiang Zemin stands in the Rose Garden of the White House.
Jiang Zemin stands in the Rose Garden of the White House.

Jiang Zemin Helped China Become a Global Powerhouse

With a steady hand—and some willingness to face criticism—he ushered China into the world economy.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles at the Chelsea Flower Show in London in 2009.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles at the Chelsea Flower Show in London in 2009.

Queen Elizabeth II Was a Pillar of Stability in Tumultuous Times

Her successor will need to adapt while also protecting the age-old magic of the monarchy.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1961.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1961.

A Queen for the Ages

Through tragedy and tumult, Queen Elizabeth II was a model of constancy. Her death will have important repercussions for the monarchy and the future of the United Kingdom.

A close up photo shows Gorbachev's face.
A close up photo shows Gorbachev's face.

Gorbachev’s Disputed Legacy

A hopeful moment in Russian history dies with the former Soviet leader.

Ayman al-Zawahiri, then-deputy leader of al Qaeda, is seen in a screengrab taken from a video that aired on Al Jazeera on Aug. 5, 2006.
Ayman al-Zawahiri, then-deputy leader of al Qaeda, is seen in a screengrab taken from a video that aired on Al Jazeera on Aug. 5, 2006.

Ayman al-Zawahiri’s Legacy of Terror

He inherited the leadership of al Qaeda when U.S. forces killed Osama bin Laden but lacked his predecessor’s charisma.

Echeverría is shown surrounded by reporters holding microphones and video cameras up to him.
Echeverría is shown surrounded by reporters holding microphones and video cameras up to him.

Luis Echeverría Álvarez Was a Demagogue With Big Dreams

The former Mexican president aimed to transform global imbalances. But he’ll be best remembered for his repressive regime at home.

A closeup photo shows a smiling Abe wearing a blue suit.
A closeup photo shows a smiling Abe wearing a blue suit.

How Shinzo Abe Changed Japan

The assassinated former prime minister leaves behind a complex legacy.

A close-up photo of McFarlane as he raises his right hand.
A close-up photo of McFarlane as he raises his right hand.

The Tragedy of Robert McFarlane

He aspired to be the next Henry Kissinger. Instead, he became embroiled in the Iran-Contra scandal.

Madeleine Albright talks with reporter State Department 1997
Madeleine Albright talks with reporter State Department 1997
Albright and Weston sit side by side at a long table with their right hands raised to vote.
Albright and Weston sit side by side at a long table with their right hands raised to vote.

What Madeleine Albright Taught Me

Albright embodied the good America stood for in the 1990s among my generation of Bosnians.

Russian journalist Oksana Baulina killed in Ukraine
Russian journalist Oksana Baulina killed in Ukraine
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright

Madeleine Albright, America’s First Female Secretary of State, Dies

A lifelong foe of autocrats who declared, “I do wear my patriotism on my sleeve.”

Load 10 More Articles
Loading graphics