Henry Kissinger Dies at 100

What's the story?

• Henry Kissinger, a prominent and controversial political figure, died Wednesday at 100 years old. 
• His consulting firm announced that he died in his Connecticut home. No cause was given. 
• Kissinger, the former secretary of state and national security advisor under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, is associated with highly contentious foreign policy moves, as many critics have accused him of promoting suppressive regimes.

About Kissinger

• The German-born diplomat's family fled Nazi prosecution when he was a teenager. Years later, he joined the U.S. Army and fought in World War II to free prisoners in concentration camps.
• His guiding principle was that U.S. national interests should take precedence over democracy and human rights, described as "idealistic" targets. This, and his realpolitik stance, made him controversial worldwide. 

His legacy

• Kissinger played an influential role in U.S. foreign policy during the Cold and Vietnam Wars, building relations with the Soviet Union, China, and Arab nations. 
• Kissinger won a shared Nobel Peace Prize in 1973 for aiding in negotiations that ended the Vietnam War. The accord, however, ultimately failed to end the war, which concluded in 1975. He won the prize alongside Le Duc Tho of North Vietnam, who refused the honor. 
• Critics highlight his involvement in the massive bombings in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos in 1969 and 1970, which caused an estimated 50,000 civilian deaths. Kissinger reportedly told the military to strike "anything that flies or anything that moves." Many campaigned to hold him accountable for war crimes for the bombings.
• Admirers of Kissinger point to his pursuit of détente with the Soviet Union, leading to the first major nuclear arms control agreement with the nation, and his approach to opening diplomatic relations with China. 

Reactions to his death

• Russian President Vladimir Putin wrote:

"I had the opportunity to personally communicate with this deep, extraordinary man many times, and I will undoubtedly retain the fondest memory of him."

• Similarly, Chinese officials remembered Kissinger as an "old friend." Ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng, said in a post:

"It is a tremendous loss for both our countries and the world. History will remember what the centenarian had contributed to China-US relations, and he will always remain alive in the hearts of the Chinese people…"

• Associate professor at Arizona State University Sophal Ear said Kissinger's legacy in Cambodia was "one of horror."

"Kissinger's impact on Cambodia is in the deaths and continuing unexploded ordnances littering the country, the physical maiming, loss of human capital, and the mental health toll the millions suffer. The bombing took a heavy, heavy toll and destabilised the country at a critical juncture."

• Daniel Jadue, a leftwing politician in Chile, called Kissinger "an instigator and accomplice of slaughters in Asia, Africa and Latin America." He said:

"Another criminal who dies in total impunity."

How do you feel about Kissinger's legacy?

-Jamie Epstein

(Photo credit: Flickr/TommyJapan1)