Former US Secretary of State and Nobel laureate Henry Kissinger passes away at 100
Henry Kissinger passes away: Washington mourns the passing of Henry Kissinger, a significant diplomatic figure and Nobel Peace Prize recipient. The news was confirmed by Kissinger Associates Inc., revealing that Kissinger peacefully passed away at his Connecticut residence.
Active until his centennial year, Kissinger continued to engage in various endeavors, attending White House meetings, publishing a book on leadership, and addressing the Senate on North Korea's nuclear threat. His surprising visit to Beijing in July 2023 to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted his ongoing involvement in international affairs.
His tenure as Secretary of State under President Richard Nixon was instrumental in shaping global events. His contributions include fostering diplomatic relations with China, pivotal arms control negotiations with the Soviet Union, bolstered ties between Israel and Arab nations, and orchestrating the Paris Peace Accords with North Vietnam.
Despite accolades for his expertise, Kissinger faced scrutiny for supporting anti-communist regimes in Latin America, prompting travel restrictions owing to potential inquiries regarding past U.S. foreign policies.
Amid Ford's acknowledgment of Kissinger's adeptness in diplomacy, he highlighted Kissinger's sensitivity and conviction, with the latter being interpreted as paranoia and egotism. Even Ford conceded, "Henry in his mind never made a mistake."
Kissinger, characterized by his reserved nature on personal matters, once likened himself to a lone cowboy hero, reflective of his enigmatic persona.
Born Heinz Alfred Kissinger in Germany in 1923, he migrated to the U.S. in 1938 to escape the Holocaust. He adopted the name Henry, served in World War II, and pursued education at Harvard University before a distinguished career at the institution.
His involvement with government agencies, consultancy roles, and bridging Nixon's peace negotiations led to his appointment as national security adviser and subsequently as Secretary of State.
Kissinger's diplomatic feats included mediating between Israel and Syria, initiating dialogue with China, and advancing détente with the Soviet Union. However, challenges surfaced, notably the complexities in the Sinai and criticisms for favoring Pakistan during the India-Pakistan War.
His post-government years witnessed him establishing a consultancy firm, participating in corporate boards, and contributing to foreign policy discussions. Henry Kissinger, twice married, leaves behind a legacy entwined with diplomatic triumphs and controversies, marking an era in U.S. foreign policy that shaped global dynamics.
- With inputs from agencies
