As 2011 draws to a close, the slate of world leaders who are no longer wielding influence is long. Indeed, many countries now face a frighteningly open future in which national destinies hinge on the graciousness and responsibility of survivng populations.
For those no longer living under the tyranny of Mubarak, Qaddafi, Kim Jong Il, or any of the other leaders whose stranglehold on their people has been released, 2011 is a spectacular year. The challenges brought by the future are great, but the helplessness of oppression is gone.
By contrast, the passing of Vaclav Havel reminds us to be thankful for the best of us – those unafraid to stand against evil in all its forms. Havel was such a man, and Europe will surely miss him.
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