Henry Kissinger, Influential Diplomat, Dies at 100

Born in 1923 to a Jewish family in Germany, Kissinger fled to the United States in 1938 amidst the rising Nazi persecution of Jews. Graduating from Harvard University, he established himself in the field of international relations.

In 1969, Kissinger assumed the role of National Security Advisor in the administration of Richard Nixon. Instrumental in concluding the Vietnam War, he advocated for improved relations with the Soviet Union, contributing to the thaw in Cold War tensions.

Later appointed as U.S. Secretary of State in 1973, Kissinger played a pivotal role in initiating diplomatic relations with China and participated in Middle East peace talks.

His shuttle diplomacy proved crucial in stabilizing relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors after the 1973 Middle East war.

Kissinger, along with Vietnam's Le Duc Tho, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their secret negotiations leading to the 1973 Paris Agreement, marking the end of U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War.

Regarded as one of the most influential diplomats of the 20th century, Kissinger's cunning, ambition, and intellect played a vital role in shaping the post-World War II world, as noted by The New York Times.