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Former Russian president Boris Yeltsin dead at 76

Another pivotal figure of the 20th century rides into the sunset. As Russia's first democratically-elected leader, Boris Yeltsin was always assured of a place in history. Yet he left a complex legacy, and is remembered both for his heroism - in standing up to the abortive hardline coup of August 1991 - and for enfeebled indecision as Russia transitioned messily from Communism to democracy.

From standing up against tanks in 1991, Yeltsin went to using them against the Russian Parliament in October 1993. From being a firm advocate for the break-up of the Soviet Union and self-determination for its component republics, he went on to begin a ruinous war in Chechnya that killed well over 100,000 civilians and turned out to be a complete humiliation for the Russian Army, who were unable to defeat the ragtag Chechnyan forces. From being a firm friend of the West, he went to nearly triggering a serious international incident with a rash occupation of Pristina International Airport during the Kosovo War of 1999. Like so many great historical figures, he was a bundle of contradictions, and his decision to step down as President on December 31st, 1999, was sudden and unexpected.

What is sure is that he will be remembered for his role in arguably the 20th century's most turbulent decade. Rest in peace.