obituary

The late Pete Seeger wrote his own songs about politics and culture, and also covered Cuban folk songs, African spirituals and traditional Irish tunes.

Israelis laid its former prime minister Ariel Sharon to rest on Monday. The military commander-turned-politician stunned Israelis by making a political turnaround in 2005 and pulling thousands of Jewish settlers out of the Gaza Strip. To some, though, the move was totally in line with his focus on the country’s security.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon fought in the country’s war of independence and was one of the dominant figures in Israel’s history. So why did so few people show up to pay their respects when his coffin was on display this weekend? Reporter Daniel Estrin has some possible reasons.

Former Israeli leader Ariel Sharon has died after spending nearly eight years in a coma that followed a stroke. Sharon was highly controversial — both loved and hated. And few individuals in recent memory have had as much of an influence on the recent history of the Middle East.

Ronnie Biggs, who died Wednesday at age 84, split public opinion in Britain. For many, he was a lovable rogue with a wicked sense of humor. For others, he was a violent criminal who lacked remorse.