Mohamed ElBaradei vs Zhao Ziyang

ElBaradei led IAEA inspections in Iraq prior to the 2003 US-led invasion. He publicly stated that the IAEA found no evidence of an active nuclear weapons program in Iraq, contradicting US and UK claims. His stance made him a controversial figure in the lead-up to the war.

ElBaradei, as Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with the IAEA for their efforts to prevent nuclear energy from being used for military purposes and to ensure safe use of nuclear energy. The award recognized his leadership in nuclear non-proliferation.

After leaving the IAEA, ElBaradei returned to Egypt in February 2010 and became a leading opposition figure. He founded the National Association for Change, which called for democratic reforms. He played a key role in the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, though he did not hold a formal leadership position.

Following the 2013 Egyptian coup d'

Zhao Ziyang succeeded Hua Guofeng as Premier. He implemented Deng Xiaoping's economic reforms, including the household responsibility system and the opening of Special Economic Zones.

Zhao Ziyang became General Secretary after Hu Yaobang's resignation. He continued economic reforms but faced growing pressure from conservative factions within the party.

During the Tiananmen Square protests, Zhao Ziyang visited the protesters and expressed sympathy, opposing the use of force. This led to his purge and house arrest for the rest of his life.

Zhao Ziyang was removed from all posts and placed under house arrest after the Tiananmen Square crackdown. He was replaced by Jiang Zemin and lived in seclusion until his death in 2005.