Henry Kissinger: War Hero or War Criminal?

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Henry Kissinger's life witnessed an era from the expansion of American hegemony to the current phase of relative adjustment. As a practitioner of realpolitik, he displayed rationality and composure throughout his lifetime—a rarity in contemporary U.S. diplomacy. In the intricate tapestry of Kissinger's diplomatic career, evaluating whether he was a war hero or involved in crimes proves challenging.

1. In seeking an honourable exit from Vietnam, Kissinger's efforts resulted in a massive humanitarian catastrophe.

Upon taking office, the Nixon administration faced immense pressure to end the Vietnam War, but the resolution had to take the form of "peace with honour."

Anything less could tarnish the “Credibility” of the U.S. with its allies. Kissinger believed that military actions must align with clear political objectives and should not be pursued solely for the sake of victory.

The Nixon administration conducted extensive secret bombings in Cambodia and Laos to gain more leverage in subsequent peace talks with North Vietnam. This measure was aimed at swiftly bringing an end to the war. However, during the 1969 talks, Kissinger underestimated North Vietnam's determination. The expansion of the war not only fell short of American objectives but also triggered a profound humanitarian crisis.

2. As a diplomat, Kissinger did not directly engage in wars; rather, he employed diplomatic tools to serve American interests and maintain a balance of power, potentially preventing conflicts.

Kissinger's key achievement was restoring diplomatic ties with China, showcasing courage and strategic foresight. This move, driven by the Nixon administration's willingness to prioritize U.S. interests over ideological disputes, aimed at balancing the Cold War dynamics among the U.S., China, and the Soviet Union. It played a crucial role in influencing Soviet behavior, easing tensions, and contributing to resolving the Vietnam War.

Moreover, Kissinger's shuttle diplomacy in the early 1970s brought significant benefits to the stability of the Middle East. Instrumental in concluding the Yom Kippur War in 1973, Kissinger negotiated crucial ceasefires and disengagement agreements between Israel and its Arab neighbors, averting further hostilities.

3. In Kissinger's view, diplomacy is reserved for major powers; however, when it involves countries perceived as peripheral, foreign policy appears blunt and discreet, prioritizing goal achievement without due consideration for ethical causes.

Unlike its meticulous efforts in Vietnam, the Nixon administration didn't pay much attention to countries deemed less important (Latin America, countries in the southern hemisphere, and sub-Saharan Africa). Regarding Latin America, Nixon's strategy was simple—maintain the status quo by supporting friendly authoritarian governments to suppress unrest and protect U.S. interests. In Chile, they supported a coup against the democratically elected Salvador Allende, resulting in Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship marked by severe human rights abuses.

In Africa, Nixon's policies involved covert interventions, supporting anti-communist factions in the Angolan Civil War, contributing to a prolonged conflict with considerable human suffering.

In summary, Kissinger's unwavering commitment to realist diplomacy allowed him to set aside ideological disputes and make impartial decisions benefiting the U.S. However, it also meant prioritizing the pursuit of interest over humanitarian considerations, leading to instances of war crimes. The balance of power was his guiding principle, demonstrated through his intricate diplomatic skills in negotiations with the USSR and China. Nevertheless, his approach towards countries he considered peripheral revealed a blunt handling, often resulting in bloody repression.