The valuable contribution of former leaders

Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with them, it is important that the people who have been responsible for the country's fate should speak publicly about what was and what is. For years now, mature Western democracies have had a special place reserved for politicians who have served as prime minister or in some other high-ranking position. Some, like Henry Kissinger, for example, become statesman after they retire from active politics, while others never shed the role of ephemeral politician.

What matters is that universities and think tanks abroad often bring together panels featuring veteran leaders and officials who are ready to speak openly on most topics. They and their teams give us oral histories and valuable testimony that shed light on important events from the past. It is crucial for any country to hear the voices of those who have had the remarkable...