Central Europe's agonies.(COMMENTARY) From: The Washington Times | Date: November 3, 2006 | COPYRIGHT 2006 The Washington Times LLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Byline: Marian L. Tupy, SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Central Europe is in turmoil. Some blame the fast pace of free market reforms and claim that capitalism cannot help but leave many people behind. In fact, Central Europeans are more prosperous than ever before and capitalism continues to enjoy public support.

An important, though overlooked, reason for the political instability in the region is the people's disenchantment with their corrupt ruling elites....