Argentina: General Failure

The junta dumps its own man

After precisely eight months and twelve days in office, President Roberto Eduardo Viola last week was removed by Argentina's ruling three-man military junta. Early in November, Viola, 57, had stepped aside voluntarily to recuperate from a heart ailment. He yielded power to an interim President amid widespread rumors that he would be permanently replaced because of his notable lack of success in managing the country's deepening recession. Indeed, repeated attempts were made by junta members to convince Viola to hand in his resignation. Then last week...