Case Against Strauss-Kahn on Brink of Collapse

Accuser's credibility in doubt, but a political revival for DSK may be impossible all the same.

The sex assault case against former IMF head and French presidential contender Dominique Strauss-Kahn appeared to take a severe blow Thursday after unnamed officials told the press there are serious doubts about the accuser's credibility. The accuser reportedly "had a phone conversation with an incarcerated man within a day of her encounter with Mr. Strauss-Kahn in which she discussed the possible benefits of pursuing the charges against him," the New York Times reported. The news has led to soul-searching in France, where observers had to admit they may have prematurely declared DSK's presidential ambitions dead. But others noted that Strauss-Kahn's international reputation may be tarnished beyond repair, and others were not so sure of DSK's innocence in the matter. UPDATE: Strauss-Kahn has been released from house arrest, suggesting prosecutors may soon drop some or all of the charges against him.