Henry Kissinger, arguably the most powerful US diplomat of the Cold War era, died aged 100 at his home in Connecticut on Wednesday (11/29/23). Kissinger helped Washington open up to the Republic of China, forge arms control deals with the Soviet Union, and end the Vietnam War.
Kissinger was born on May 27th, 1923, in Fürth, Germany. Henry Alfred Kissinger fled Nazi persecution with his family, eventually settling in the United States. His journey from a refugee to becoming a key architect of US foreign policy is a testament to the American dream. Kissinger’s diplomatic career soared during the Cold War, where he played a pivotal role in shaping US foreign policy as a National Security Advisor and Secretary of State under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.
Although many hail Kissinger for his brilliance and statesmanship, others branded him a war criminal because he supported an anti-communist dictatorship in Latin America. Kissinger’s Realpolitik style made him controversial, with critics accusing him of war crimes. According to critics, Kissinger and President Nixon conducted a bombing campaign against Vietnamese communists in Cambodia.
Tributes have been pouring from all over the world. Former US President George W Bush and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair are among the popular figures to pay their tribute. In China, the news of his death was trending on Weibo, a popular social media platform.
Kissinger is survived by his wife, Nancy Maginnes, and two children, Elizabeth and David, from his previous marriage and five grandchildren.
