End of Gorbachev Era

MIKHAIL GORBACHEV'S six and a half years in power changed the world. Called in by Communist Party leaders to save a system in collapse, he attempted a "deep transformation" of Soviet society and economy.In the end, the speed and scope of these changes destroyed a bloated communist infrastructure. But when forced to choose between retrenchment or radical reform, he reaffirmed his commitment to socialism. STORY, PAGE 2