Biden says he ‘often strongly’ disagreed with Kissinger after diplomat’s death
Henry Kissinger leaves behind a complex legacy, remembered as a master of global politics by some and an alleged war criminal by others
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Henry Kissinger, a Holocaust survivor who became the US’s most influential – and divisive – diplomat, has died at the age of 100.
Kissinger leaves behind a complex legacy, remembered as a master of global politics by some and an alleged war criminal by others.
Born in Bavaria, his family fled to New York City to escape the Holocaust – an experience that would go on to shape his future foreign policy work.
As President Richard Nixon’s National Security Advisor, Kissinger was responsible for negotiating the US’s exit from the unpopular Vietnam War. He won a Nobel Peace Prize for his diplomatic work – but his legacy was then tainted when it emerged he had authorised the secret carpet-bombing of neutral Cambodia, which killed at least 150,000 civilians.
Beyond his diplomacy work, Kissinger briefly enjoyed a reputation as an unlikely ladies’ man and social butterfly in Washington DC, dating several stars of the time before marrying his second wife Nancy – who survives him.
Reactions from political and diplomatic allies and foes poured in after his death on Wednesday, with former president George W Bush remembering “his wisdom, his charm, and his humour”.
Joe Biden on Thursday said that he had “often strongly” disagreed with Kissinger but praised his “fierce intellect.”
Henry Kissinger dead at 100
This is a live blog covering the death of Henry Kissinger at the age of 100 on Wednesday.
Henry Kissinger death: Influential US diplomat, dead at 100
Former diplomat left a major impact on US policy around the world, writes Josh Marcus.
Henry Kissinger death: Influential US diplomat, dead at 100
Former diplomat left major impact on US policy around the world
Henry Kissinger’s life in images
Anthony Bourdain’s savaging of Kissinger lights up X
“Once you’ve been to Cambodia, you’ll never stop wanting to beat Henry Kissinger to death with your bare hands,” wrote the late chef and TV travel personality.
time to repost anthony bourdain’s thoughts on kissinger pic.twitter.com/w3drLV4hhE
— bailey moon (@Baileymoon15) November 30, 2023
Henry Kissinger: Polarising architect of Cold War era American foreign policy
Influential US secretary of state to Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford and Nobel Peace Prize winner remembered as arch practitioner of ‘realpolitik’ who was revered and reviled in equal measure, write Ariana Baio and Joe Sommerlad:
Henry Kissinger: Polarising architect of Cold War era American foreign policy
Influential US secretary of state to Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford and Nobel Peace Prize winner remembered as arch practitioner of ‘realpolitik’ who was revered and reviled in equal measure, write Ariana Baio and Joe Sommerlad
Henry Kissinger death: Influential US diplomat, dead at 100
George W Bush pays tribute to Kissinger
Former president George W Bush remembered Henry Kissinger for “his wisdom, his charm, and his humour”.
In a statement, he said: “I have long admired the man who fled the Nazis as a young boy from a Jewish family, then fought them in the United States Army. When he later became Secretary of State, his appointment as a former refugee said as much about his greatness as it did America’s greatness.
“He worked in the Administrations of two Presidents and counselled many more. I am grateful for that service and advice, but I am most grateful for his friendship.”
'World has lost a tireless advocate for peace’, Winston Lord says
Winston Lord, a former US ambassador to China, said “the world has lost a tireless advocate for peace”.
Kissinger’s former special assistant at the White House national security council, Mr Lord said in a statement that “America has lost a towering champion for national interest”.
“During more than seven decades, he transformed America’s role in the world, held the nation together during a constitutional crisis, crafted visionary volumes, counselled world leaders, and enriched the national and international discourse,” Mr Lord added.
Chinese state media pays tribute to Kissinger: ‘The old friend of the Chinese people’
“Today, this ‘old friend of the Chinese people,’ who had a sharp vision and a thorough understanding of world affairs, has completed his legendary life,” China News said in an obituary.
On Weibo, the hashtag “Kissinger just came to China this year” went viral. Henry Kissinger visited China more than 100 times in his lifetime and more recently in July this year.
CCTV, the state broadcaster, called Kissinger a “legendary diplomat” and a “living fossil” who had been a witness to the development of China-US relationship.
Henry Kissinger ‘left an indelible mark on America’s history’
Mike Pompeo, former secretary of state, said Henry Kissinger “was a model of service and a great American” and “left an indelible mark on America’s history”.
In his tribute, Mr Pompeo added: “From the day he came to the United States as a teenager fleeing Nazi Germany, Dr Kissinger dedicated his life to serving this great country and keeping America safe. He left an indelible mark on America’s history and the world.
“I will always be grateful for his gracious advice and help during my own time as Secretary. Always supportive and always informed, his wisdom made me better and more prepared after every one of our conversations,” he wrote on X.
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