CBS News
Ted Koppel on the complicated legacy of Henry Kissinger
![](https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2023/12/02/966011d0-028c-4dd1-ba39-8862867c361b/thumbnail/1200x630g2/9a1dee2051b08c3f49af033b5daedc5d/kissinger-a-1280.jpg?v=2a3c5d91939c9bf28fa0bc6fdfacfdd4)
He was a commanding – and controversial – figure for our times: Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger died this week at the age of 100. But for “Sunday Morning” senior contributor Ted Koppel, Kissinger was a complicated diplomat who became a friend:
CBS via Getty Images
I’ve being covering Henry Kissinger for more than fifty years, since the early stages, when he held high office, wielding real power, crafting historic changes toward China, the Middle East, the Soviet Union.
In his 90s, Kissinger co-authored a book (was it his 20th or 21st?), this one on AI, which he considered the greatest challenge to human survival.
“With the advent of artificial intelligence, forms of warfare are conceivable that could be even more destructive than nuclear weapons,” Kissinger said.
After he turned 100, he flew to China at the invitation of the Chinese government. This, at a time of chilly relations between Washington and Beijing.
Henry Kissinger went from the dizzying heights of public acclaim (he was the most admired American in the 1970s, co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize), to a much-maligned figure (bitterly condemned in some quarters for his record on human rights).
Andrew Harnik for The Washington Post via Getty Images
During our last interview this spring, I reminded Kissinger of what Pope Urban VIII is credited with having said, of another gifted and controversial statesman, Cardinal Richelieu: “If there is a God,” so the quote goes, “Richelieu will have much to answer for; and if not, well, he had a successful life.”
I said, “When I saw that, I thought, it’s the kind of thing they might say about you.”
“Yup,” Kissinger replied. “I don’t feel, when you say, He had a lot to answer for, which means, It was of dubious moral quality.”
“That’s what it means, yes.”
“That’s not my conception of my life,” Kissinger said. “Every difficult political decision has an element of ambiguity. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be difficult.”
On the ultimate question, Kissinger showed a moment of quiet reflection, even humility, when asked if he believes in an afterlife.
“I believe that we’re living in a tiny part of the universe,” he said. “So, I think it is possible that there are aspects to existence that transcend our own individual lives.”
A question to which no one has yet provided a certain answer … not even Henry Kissinger.
See also:
Story produced by Deirdre Cohen. Editor: Ed Givnish.
CBS News
The race to save the world’s oldest mummies
![](https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/07/06/5a3044c7-ae77-4123-b989-ac30e0bfbe1e/thumbnail/1200x630/53595e7f4a33c2649f98ead9814c43a9/0706-satmo-chilemummies-bojorquez-3033975-640x360.jpg?v=57e8061b2038d609da26e467de5ddfb8)
Watch CBS News
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.
CBS News
Meet the designer turning classic Venetian glass into modern art
![](https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/07/06/bde20c31-2b89-4d30-be59-88a3cdfe40f4/thumbnail/1200x630/64757b4d7866cc6127a422b92671513b/0706-satmo-italyglassblowing-jacobson-3033929-640x360.jpg?v=57e8061b2038d609da26e467de5ddfb8)
Watch CBS News
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.
CBS News
Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson dies in car accident
![](https://assets2.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/07/06/d966335e-513b-4dd6-9782-e6d265a3595f/thumbnail/1200x630/30c845d4c3094f7dfa6b558c738847de/gettyimages-2151833560.jpg?v=57e8061b2038d609da26e467de5ddfb8)
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson died overnight in a car accident.
The Upper Marlboro, Maryland native played for Alabama and Oregon. He was drafted by the Vikings in April in round 4 as the 108th overall pick.
He was 24 years old.
“Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident,” the Vikings wrote on X.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said he was “crushed” by the news of Jackson’s death.
“In our short time together, it was evident Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him,” O’Connell added.
The crash happened in Upper Marlboro shortly after 3 a.m. and involved three cars, according to Maryland state police. Investigators believe the driver of a silver Infiniti car tried to change lanes at a high rate of speed and struck the car that Jackson was in, as well as a Chevrolet Impala.
The two other occupants of Jackson’s car also died in the crash. The occupants of the other cars were not hurt.
Officials believe that alcohol could have been a contributing factor in the crash.
In a statement, the Minnesota Vikings say they have offered support to Jackson’s family, and are offering counseling and emotional support to the players who seek it.
This is a developing story. Check back with WCCO.com for more.
Note: The above video first aired on June 24, 2024.