Henry Kissinger, a central yet controversial figure in Cold War-era US foreign policy, has passed away at 100. During the Nixon and Ford presidencies, he held the positions of US Secretary of State and National Security Adviser.
Even after his tenure ended in the 1970s, he remained a sought-after advisor for numerous leaders over many years.
Born in Germany, the esteemed ex-diplomat passed away at his residence in Connecticut.
George W. Bush, former US President, honoured him as a pivotal foreign affairs voice. Tony Blair, former UK Prime Minister, praised him as a masterful diplomat with a deep commitment to freedom.
Nixon’s daughters, Tricia Nixon Cox and Julie Nixon Eisenhower, admired his remarkable, quintessentially American life story. Kissinger, remembered for his peace efforts, was also noted for his personal character.
Born in 1923 in Germany to a school teacher, he moved to the US in 1938, fleeing Nazi persecution. He became a US citizen in 1943, served in the US Army and Counter Intelligence Corps.
In 1969, President Nixon named him National Security Adviser, influencing US foreign policy significantly.
He was pivotal in ending the Vietnam War, establishing US-China relations, and mediating the 1973 Middle East conflict, exemplifying shuttle diplomacy.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog acknowledged his role in the Israel-Egypt peace process.
In China, his death was widely noted; he was considered a key figure in US-China ties and a “living fossil” diplomat.
Critics, however, accused Kissinger of prioritizing Cold War rivalry over human rights, supporting repressive regimes, including in Chile.
Controversially regarded policies followed him posthumously, with Rolling Stone and Huffpost labeling him harshly. Kissinger dismissed such criticisms as uninformed.
He jointly won the 1973 Nobel Peace Prize with North Vietnam’s Le Duc Tho, who declined it. The award caused controversy, leading to Nobel committee resignations.
Kissinger remained an influential commentator and advisor to US presidents from Kennedy to Biden, and legislators. He interacted with every Chinese leader from Mao Zedong to Xi Jinping.
A board member of various companies, he also authored 21 books and remained active in foreign policy forums.
Even at 100, he visited Beijing, meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, causing White House discomfort. In a 2022 interview, Kissinger reflected on his lifelong engagement with world affairs.
He leaves behind his wife, Nancy Maginnes Kissinger, with whom he shared nearly half a century, and two children from an earlier marriage, Elizabeth and David, along with five grandchildren.
