The Apologia Olympics
Even before his corpse was cold, the rehabilitation of Henry Kissinger had begun.

(Roberto Schmidt / AFP / Getty Images)
“Of course, like anyone who has confronted the most difficult problems of international politics, he was criticized at times, even denounced. But I believe he was always motivated not from a coarse ‘realpolitik’ but from a genuine love of the free world and the need to protect it. He was a problem solver, whether in respect of the Cold War, the Middle East, or China and its rise.”
“America has lost one of the most dependable and distinctive voices. . . . 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. Laura and I will miss his wisdom, his charm, and his humor. And we will always be thankful for the contributions of Henry Kissinger.”
“Henry Kissinger was a towering intellect, diplomat, and practitioner who — not without controversy — helped shape American foreign policy with a lasting impact worldwide. A refugee from Nazi Germany, and the first Jewish secretary of state, he was unapologetic about his heritage and his embrace of the importance of American global power and democratic values.”