Alan Greenspan, most powerful central banker of modern times, dies at 100

Democracy Dies in DarknessHis nearly two-decade run as chairman of the Federal Reserve helped spur prosperity, but his decisions also contributed to the 2008 financial crisis.Today at 9:02 a.m. EDTDuring a more than 18-year run as chair of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan achieved greater prominence than any central banker before him. (Lucas Jackson/Reuters)27 minBy Neil IrwinAlan Greenspan, who as the world’s most powerful central banker maneuvered the United States through two decades of stunning prosperity, but whose decisions contributed to the near-collapse of the economy shortly after he left office, died June 22 at age 100.