[barry-cotter]

East Germany was the richest Soviet conquest and the richest ex-Soviet bloc state at the dissolution of the Soviet empire. Coming close to keeping up with West Germany is pretty good for a Communist state.

[WillPostForFood]

Richest ex-Soviet Bloc state is like healthiest terminally ill patient. Comparing East Germany to West seems more “germane.”

[diogenescynic]

You’re both right.