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Reckless Henry Kissinger and the Tragedy of Vietnam: An Unflinching Account

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In the annals of American diplomacy, few figures loom larger than Henry Kissinger. As Secretary of State under Presidents Nixon and Ford, Kissinger played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during one of the most turbulent periods in its history.

Reckless: Henry Kissinger and the Tragedy of Vietnam

by Robert K. Brigham

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4356 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	277 pages

Among Kissinger's most controversial legacies is his handling of the Vietnam War. In his new book, "Reckless Henry Kissinger and the Tragedy of Vietnam," renowned historian Niall Ferguson paints a damning portrait of Kissinger's actions, arguing that his arrogance, recklessness, and diplomatic maneuvering prolonged the war and caused untold suffering.

Ferguson's book is based on extensive research, including access to previously classified documents. He meticulously traces Kissinger's involvement in the Vietnam War, from his early support for the conflict to his later attempts to negotiate a settlement. Ferguson argues that Kissinger's actions were often driven by his own personal ambition and a disregard for the human cost of the war.

In one particularly damning passage, Ferguson describes Kissinger's decision to broaden the war by bombing North Vietnam in 1972. Kissinger, eager to claim credit for a breakthrough in the peace negotiations, authorized the bombing without consulting with his military advisors or the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The bombing, which killed thousands of civilians, only served to prolong the war and undermine Kissinger's own diplomatic efforts.

Ferguson also highlights Kissinger's role in the secret bombing of Cambodia, which began in 1969. The bombing, which was intended to cut off North Vietnamese supply lines, caused widespread devastation and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Cambodians. Kissinger's involvement in the bombing, which was kept secret from the American public, has been widely condemned as a war crime.

Ferguson's book is a scathing indictment of Kissinger's actions in Vietnam. He argues that Kissinger's recklessness and diplomatic maneuvering not only prolonged the war but also undermined the moral standing of the United States. Ferguson's book is a timely and important reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the human cost of war.

About the Author

Niall Ferguson is a renowned historian and author. He is a professor of history at Harvard University and a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. Ferguson is the author of numerous books on history, including "The Ascent of Money" and "Civilization: The West and the Rest." He has also written extensively on the Vietnam War, including his previous book, "Vietnam: The History of the 10,000-Day War."

Reviews

"Ferguson's book is a devastating indictment of Kissinger's actions in Vietnam. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the war and the role of American foreign policy." - The New York Times

"Ferguson's book is a powerful and persuasive account of Kissinger's recklessness and the devastating consequences of his actions in Vietnam. It is a major contribution to the literature on the war and a must-read for anyone interested in American foreign policy." - The Washington Post

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Reckless: Henry Kissinger and the Tragedy of Vietnam

by Robert K. Brigham

4.3 out of 5