Renowned diplomat and former U.S. Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, has passed away at the age of 100.

He leaves the world mourning the loss of a statesman whose legacy was marked by his enduring commitment to diplomacy and international relations.

Kissinger, who served under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, was celebrated for his role in shaping the United States’ foreign policy during the Cold War era. His commitment to diplomacy, marked by his tireless efforts to build bridges between nations, earned him the reputation of being “endlessly generous” in his pursuit of peaceful solutions to global conflicts.

He died at his home in Connecticut, according to his consulting firm Kissinger Associates, although his cause of death was not revealed.

Throughout his career, Kissinger played pivotal roles in landmark diplomatic negotiations, including the opening of relations with China and the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, which brought an end to the Vietnam War. His contributions extended beyond his official duties, as he continued to advocate for international cooperation and understanding long after leaving office.

As the world pays tribute to this diplomatic giant, his legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring value of diplomacy in an ever-changing global landscape.

Tributes flow

Former US president George W. Bush said Kissinger was one of America’s “most dependable and distinctive voices on foreign affairs”.

“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,” he said.

“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 counseled many more. I am grateful for that service and advice, but I am most grateful for his friendship.”

Here are some facts on American diplomat Henry Kissinger, who died at age 100 on Wednesday.

– **Early Life and Immigration:**
– Henry Kissinger, born Heinz Alfred Kissinger, on May 27, 1923, in Germany.
– Faced anti-Semitic bullying; his family migrated to New York in 1938.
– Became a naturalized American in 1943.

– **World War II Service:**
– Served in the U.S. Army’s 84th Infantry Division during World War II.
– Worked as a translator in intelligence operations, received a Bronze Star.
– Helped round up Gestapo members in his homeland.

– **Political Career:**
– Joined Richard Nixon’s administration in 1969 as national security adviser.
– Continued as national security adviser under Gerald Ford.
– Also served as secretary of state under Nixon and Ford.

– **Global Impact:**
– Played a significant role in 1970s global events, including the Vietnam War and U.S.-Soviet arms control talks.
– Involved in diplomatic opening of China and expanded ties between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

– **Controversial Nobel Prize:**
– Awarded the 1973 Nobel Peace Prize with Le Duc Tho for Paris peace talks on U.S. troop withdrawal.
– Controversial; two Nobel committee members resigned, and Tho declined the prize.

– **Personal Life and Image:**
– Associated with various actresses during his bachelor days.
– Playboy image deemed a media creation by those who knew him.

– ️ **Post-Presidential Administration:**
– Last worked in a presidential administration in 1977.
– Maintained a relationship with George W. Bush, led a commission on the 9/11 attacks but resigned.

– ⚖️ **Allegations and Controversies:**
– Accused of involvement in the Argentine “dirty war” against leftist dissidents.
– Declassified documents showed ambiguous support for the military during the 1976 coup.

– **Satirical Legacy:**
– Tom Lehrer famously quipped that political satire became obsolete when Kissinger received the Nobel Peace Prize.
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The streaming giant showcases the UK’s top tunes, unveiling the artists who dominated playlists and the tracks that defined the year. From rising stars to established icons, the playlist mirrors the eclectic tastes of the nation.

Listeners can now relive the highs and lows of the past year through a curated collection of songs that became the soundtrack to their lives. The data-driven insights reveal not just the most-played songs but also the emergence of new genres and the impact of cultural phenomena on music preferences.

As the ‘2023 Wrapped’ takes the spotlight, users are engaging in a nostalgic exploration of their music habits, sharing their personal playlists on social media. The annual tradition sparks conversations about the year’s defining moments, creating a sense of community around shared musical experiences.

In a musical showdown of epic proportions, Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus have emerged as the undisputed queens of the Spotify realm in 2023. As users eagerly unwrap their personalised Spotify Wrapped summaries, it’s evident that Swift’s enchanting melodies and Cyrus’s dynamic tunes have dominated the streaming landscape throughout the year.

Swift, known for her poetic lyrics and genre-spanning talent, continues to capture the hearts of listeners globally, securing her spot as the most-streamed artist of 2023. Meanwhile, Miley Cyrus, with her bold and eclectic style, has claimed a formidable position as the second most-streamed artist, proving her enduring popularity.

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