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Why Did So Many People Hate Henry Kissinger So Much?

 Member Newsletter
November 30, 2023 2:11 p.m.
American diplomat Henry Kissinger and actress Jill St. John attend a party at the Bistro in Hollywood, California, circa 1970. (Photo by Frank Edwards/Fotos International/Getty Images)

Henry Kissinger’s death yesterday at the grand, round age of 100 was greeted with a broad chorus of “It’s about times” and “good riddances” and “go straight to hells.” I have always been fascinated by the intensity of the animus toward the man. And to be clear: that’s not because I necessarily disagree with the verdict.

In the quickest possible summary, during his roughly eight years as first National Security Advisor and then Secretary of State, Kissinger spearheaded or oversaw two broad policies which account for most, but by no means all, of what that vituperation is about.

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