Babrak Karmal vs Wu Tingfang

Babrak Karmal was installed as President of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union in December 1979, following the Soviet invasion. He led the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan during the early years of the Soviet-Afghan War, implementing unpopular reforms and relying on Soviet military support.

Karmal was replaced as General Secretary of the People's Democratic Party by Mohammad Najibullah in May 1986, under Soviet pressure. He was effectively sidelined, though he remained in Afghanistan until his death. This marked the end of his direct political influence.

Babrak Karmal died in Moscow in 1996, reportedly from liver cancer. He had been living in exile in the Soviet Union since his removal from power. His death went largely unnoticed in Afghanistan, where the civil war was raging.

Wu Tingfang served as Qing China's minister to the United States, Spain, and Peru. He negotiated treaties, promoted Chinese interests, and worked to improve China's international image.

Wu Tingfang participated in negotiations for the Boxer Protocol, which ended the Boxer Rebellion. He worked to reduce the indemnity and protect Chinese sovereignty, though the terms remained harsh.

Wu Tingfang drafted the legal code for the new Republic of China, drawing on Western legal principles. His work laid the foundation for modern Chinese law, though implementation was limited.

Wu Tingfang served as acting Premier of the Republic of China during the Beiyang government. He attempted to restore constitutional order but was thwarted by warlord Zhang Xun's restoration of the Qing emperor.