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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Indonesia's Suharto Dies at Age 86

Ruled for 32 years; resigned amid corruption, human rights charges

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(Newser) – Former Indonesian president Suharto, a US Cold War ally whose legacy of economic development was marred by charges of human rights abuses and corruption, died today of organ failure at 86, Reuters reports. Suharto ruled for 32 years until being forced out in 1998; his deteriorating health prevented him from ever going to trial even though accusers allege he had perhaps 1 million opponents killed and had embezzled billions.

Suharto rose to power in 1965 ostensibly to resist an attempted communist coup.  During the Cold War Suharto was considered a reliable friend of Washington, which didn't oppose his 1969 occupation of Papua and 1974 invasion of East Timor. He led a largely reclusive life in Jakarta since his government toppled 10 years ago amid democracy protests, the AP notes.

In this handout photo released by President Office, Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, center, stands by the body of former Indonesian President Suharto at his house in Jakarta, Sunday, Jan 27, 2008. Former dictator Suharto, an army general who crushed Indonesia's communist movement and pushed aside the country's founding father...
In this handout photo released by President Office, Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, center, stands by the body of former Indonesian President Suharto at his house in Jakarta, Sunday, Jan...   (Associated Press)
Indonesian Army Special Forces march toward the residence of former Indonesian President Suharto in Jakarta Sunday, Jan 27, 2008. Former dictator Suharto, an army general who crushed Indonesia's communist movement and pushed aside the country's founding father to usher in 32 years of tough rule that saw up to a...
Indonesian Army Special Forces march toward the residence of former Indonesian President Suharto in Jakarta Sunday, Jan 27, 2008. Former dictator Suharto, an army general who crushed Indonesia's communist...   (Associated Press)
An Indonesia hotel staff adjusts Indonesian flag to half-mast following the death of former President Suharto in Jakarta, Sunday, Jan 27, 2008. Suharto, an army general who crushed Indonesia's communist movement and pushed aside the country's founding father to usher in 32 years of tough rule that saw up to...
An Indonesia hotel staff adjusts Indonesian flag to half-mast following the death of former President Suharto in Jakarta, Sunday, Jan 27, 2008. Suharto, an army general who crushed Indonesia's communist...   (Associated Press)
Graphic shows key dates since Indonesia's former dictator Suharto seized power in 1965; two sizes; 1c x 4 5/8 inches; 46.5 mm x 117.5 mm; 2c x 2 1/2 inches; 96.3 mm x 63.5 mm
Graphic shows key dates since Indonesia's former dictator Suharto seized power in 1965; two sizes; 1c x 4 5/8 inches; 46.5 mm x 117.5 mm; 2c x 2 1/2 inches; 96.3 mm x 63.5 mm   (Associated Press)
Former Indonesian President Suharto, right, salutes after announcing his resignation in a nationwide television address in Jakarta, Indonesia, in this May 21, 1998, file photo. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)
Former Indonesian President Suharto, right, salutes after announcing his resignation in a nationwide television address in Jakarta, Indonesia, in this May 21, 1998, file photo. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak,...   (Associated Press)
Former Indonesian President Suharto waves to journalists as he sits on a wheelchair upon leaving Pertamina Hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia, in this May 11, 2005, file photo. (AP Photo/Irwin Fedriansyah, File)
Former Indonesian President Suharto waves to journalists as he sits on a wheelchair upon leaving Pertamina Hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia, in this May 11, 2005, file photo. (AP Photo/Irwin Fedriansyah,...   (Associated Press)
Former Indonesian President Suharto shakes hands with an unidentified doctor upon leaving Pertamina Hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia in this May 11, 2005, file photo. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, File)
Former Indonesian President Suharto shakes hands with an unidentified doctor upon leaving Pertamina Hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia in this May 11, 2005, file photo. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, File)   (Associated Press)
Indonesian President Suharto in a rare informal photo, strums a few notes on a guitar as his daughter Siti Hedijati, 20, a university student, looks on, in this January 12, 1971 file photo. Former dictator Suharto, an army general who crushed Indonesia's communist movement and pushed aside the country's founding...
Indonesian President Suharto in a rare informal photo, strums a few notes on a guitar as his daughter Siti Hedijati, 20, a university student, looks on, in this January 12, 1971 file photo. Former dictator...   (Associated Press)
Indonesian President Suharto announces his resignation in Jakarta, Indonesia in this Thursday, May 21, 1998, file photo. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)
Indonesian President Suharto announces his resignation in Jakarta, Indonesia in this Thursday, May 21, 1998, file photo. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)   (Associated Press)
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