Henry Kissinger, the 56th US Secretary of State renowned as one of the most influential figures in American foreign policy, has passed away at the age of 100.
Reported by CNN, Kissinger Associates, his consulting firm, confirmed his death at his Connecticut home on Wednesday, without specifying the cause.
Born in Germany in 1923, Kissinger became a naturalized US citizen in 1943 and later served in World War II. He held positions at Harvard University before consulting with the State Department and Pentagon on national security matters.
His governmental roles included serving as National Security Adviser (January 1969–November 1975) and Secretary of State (September 1973–January 1977) under President Richard Nixon.
Kissinger left a significant mark on US foreign policy during the 1970s. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize for his contributions to ending American military involvement in the Vietnam War. His diplomatic efforts facilitated the opening of relations between the US and communist China, notably marked by President Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972.
However, Kissinger faced criticism for his involvement in the bombing of Cambodia during the Vietnam War, which contributed to the rise of the Khmer Rouge regime. He was also scrutinized for supporting a coup against a democratic government in Chile.
In the Middle East, his "shuttle diplomacy" aimed to mediate between Israeli and Arab forces following the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Kissinger's approach to US-Soviet relations helped ease tensions and resulted in multiple arms control agreements.
Following his government tenure, Kissinger continued to influence foreign policy, advising presidents and engaging in diplomatic discussions. He chaired an investigation into the 9/11 attacks but faced challenges due to conflicts of interest.
Kissinger's counsel extended to subsequent administrations, including briefings with President George W. Bush and advising Donald Trump after his election. His views evolved over time, notably shifting regarding Ukraine's NATO membership after Russia's 2022 invasion.
Throughout his life, Kissinger received numerous accolades, including the Bronze Star for meritorious service in 1945, the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977, and the Medal of Liberty in 1986 among others. He remained a prominent figure in global diplomacy, leaving a lasting impact on US foreign relations.
(With Agency Inputs)
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