The Bangladesh Liberation War:
In 1971, as conflict erupted between India and Pakistan over East Pakistan’s nationalist movement, the Pakistani army, under General Yahya Khan, unleashed a brutal crackdown. The genocide and rape of the Bengali population shocked the world, with Kissinger and President Nixon being aware of the atrocities but choosing not to intervene.
Kissinger’s Role and Indifference:
Kissinger, in his book ‘White House Years,’ acknowledged the crisis but emphasized Pakistan’s role as a conduit to China. This geopolitical perspective led the Nixon administration to tilt towards Pakistan, with Kissinger orchestrating secret negotiations with China to intimidate India. The infamous Blood Telegram by US Consul General Archer Blood highlighted the moral bankruptcy of US policy, which continued to support Pakistan despite its genocidal actions.
The China Connection:
Kissinger’s approach included encouraging China to make military moves to coerce India. The dispatch of the aircraft carrier Enterprise to the Bay of Bengal aimed to intimidate India, revealing a willingness to accept serious risks to achieve policy objectives. Kissinger’s own words reflected this strategy:
“The United States…sought to defuse the crisis and prevent fighting between India and Pakistan.”
Disdain and Insensitivity:
Kissinger’s disdain towards India and Indians is evident in his derogatory remarks during meetings. In a conversation with President Nixon, he referred to the Bengalis as ‘cowardly’ people, underestimating their resilience. His disrespectful comments about Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the Indian people reveal a disturbing lack of empathy.
Legacy of Indifference:
Kissinger’s indifference to the plight of Bengali freedom fighters and the suffering of innocent civilians during the Bangladesh Liberation War remains a stain on his legacy. Despite admitting later that the US stance was “a case history of political misjudgment,” the damage had been done. His pursuit of geopolitical interests overshadowed the moral imperative to intervene and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
As the world processes the recent passing of Henry Kissinger, it is crucial to engage in a nuanced reflection on his legacy. While recognized for his contributions to diplomatic relations, his role in the Bangladesh Liberation War raises important questions about the ethical dimensions of foreign policy. The events of 1971 serve as a poignant reminder that even the most skilled diplomats must be held accountable for their actions, especially when indifference leads to human suffering on a massive scale.