CBS Evening News - 1989-11-11

The fall of the Berlin Wall marks a historic shift in European geopolitics, as thousands of East Germans flood into West Berlin to experience newfound freedom and Western consumer goods. While the wall remains a potent symbol of the Cold War, its physical barrier is increasingly compromised by holes and public demonstrations. The United States and the Soviet Union maintain a cautious, low-key stance, prioritizing stability as the region navigates this rapid, cataclysmic change. West German Ambassador Jurgen Rufus emphasizes the constitutional commitment to self-determination and the necessity of free elections in the East to determine the future of reunification. Despite the widespread euphoria, concerns persist regarding the economic integration of refugees and the potential for political instability, leaving the ultimate path toward a unified Germany uncertain as the geopolitical landscape of the continent undergoes a fundamental transformation.