Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, a key player in shaping US foreign policy during the Cold War, has died at the age of 100.
The German-born diplomat, known for his Realpolitik style, served as America’s top diplomat and national security adviser during the Nixon and Ford administrations.
Despite leaving office in the mid-1970s, Kissinger remained a sought-after advisor for generations of leaders.
He passed away at his home in Connecticut, leaving behind a legacy that stirred both admiration and criticism.
Kissinger’s approach, particularly during the Vietnam War, drew accusations of war crimes as he and President Richard Nixon conducted a bombing campaign against Vietnamese communists in Cambodia.
Critics argued that he prioritized geopolitical rivalries over human rights, supporting repressive regimes, including that of Augusto Pinochet in Chile.
Former US President George W Bush and UK Prime Minister Tony Blair offered tributes, highlighting Kissinger’s impact on foreign affairs. Nixon’s daughters praised his unique life story and character.
Born in Germany in 1923, Kissinger fled the Nazis in 1938 and became a US citizen in 1943.
After serving in the US Army, he pursued higher education, eventually teaching international relations at Harvard.
As national security adviser from 1969 to 1977, Kissinger played a pivotal role in ending the Vietnam War, opening relations with China, and facilitating the 1973 Yom Kippur War ceasefire.
His efforts coined the term “shuttle diplomacy.”
In the wake of his death, global leaders acknowledged his contributions.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog praised Kissinger’s work on the peace agreement with Egypt.
In China, where he remained popular, news of his death trended on Weibo, with Chinese media describing him as a “legendary diplomat.”
However, Kissinger faced criticism for approving campaigns that caused civilian casualties, such as the bombing of Cambodia.
The legacy of these policies lingered, with some media outlets emphasizing his controversial role, even in death.
Dismissive of criticism, Kissinger continued to be a prolific commentator after leaving government service in 1977.
He maintained an active life, meeting with leaders and engaging in public affairs well into his 100s.
Survived by his wife, Nancy Maginnes Kissinger, two children, and five grandchildren, his impact on world affairs endures.
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