Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger dies at age 100

Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger dies at 100. He shaped global politics, won Nobel Peace Prize, and visited China at 100.

Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has passed away at the age of 100, according to a report from The Washington Post. The cause of his death was not mentioned in the statement released by his consulting firm. Kissinger was a scholar, statesman, and renowned diplomat who held significant influence over US foreign policy during the administrations of US Presidents Richard M Nixon and Gerald Ford. He continued to shape global politics and business as a consultant and writer.

Born Heinz Alfred Kissinger in Germany in 1923, he and his family fled to the US in 1938 to escape the Nuremberg Laws that stripped Germany's Jews of their citizenship. After settling in the US, he became known as Henry.

Kissinger held the unique distinction of being the only person to serve as White House National Security Advisor and US Secretary of State simultaneously, giving him unprecedented control over US foreign policy. He was instrumental in the secret negotiations that led to the 1973 Paris Agreement, which ended US military involvement in the Vietnam War. His "shuttle diplomacy" helped stabilize relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors after the 1973 Middle East war.

He was also the architect of Nixon's historic opening to China and played a key role in shaping detente with the Soviet Union. His influence on world affairs was widely recognized, and he was admired across the globe, with a Gallup poll naming him the most admired person in the US when he was appointed US Secretary of State.

Despite his accolades, Kissinger faced criticism from some who viewed him as unprincipled and amoral. He declined to visit Oslo to accept the Nobel Peace Prize due to fears of hostile protests.

After leaving the government, Kissinger took on consulting roles and spent years working on his memoirs. He also advised corporate clients on international policy and wrote a syndicated column on world affairs. Even in his later years, he continued to write books and participate in conferences and events. In 2023, at the age of 100, he visited China and received a warm welcome from senior Chinese officials, despite strained relations between the US and China.

The passing of Henry Kissinger marks the end of an era for US foreign policy and diplomacy. His influence on global politics and his lasting legacy will be remembered for years to come. (ANI)

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