"My own reaction from a distance is that Pol Pot's demise as the leader of the Khmer Rouge was inevitable, and that his own paranoia did him in as much as anything else"

In this quote, journalist Sydney Schanberg is reflecting on the failure of Pol Pot, the leader of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. Schanberg thinks that Pol Pot's failure was inevitable, implying it was bound to occur eventually. He likewise suggests that Pol Pot's own paranoia played a significant role in his downfall, perhaps even more so than any external aspects. This suggests that Pol Pot's own actions and frame of mind eventually led to his death. Schanberg's usage of the phrase "from a distance" suggests that he is not straight involved in the situation, but is observing it from afar. In general, this quote highlights the function of personal consider the downfall of a leader.