Richard Holbrooke

Richard Holbrooke, an accomplished statesman for the United States known for his sharp understanding of international relations and politics, died at the age of 69.

The US State Department announced his demise in a statement on Dec 13 in Washington.

During his stint as a diplomat, Holbrooke had some unprecedented success to his name that no statesman could achieve in the United States. It was him who gave a new dimension to the diplomatic ties with China and also managed critical situation in Afghanistan.

Holbrooke was admitted in the hospital on Dec 10 and undergone a heart surgery. .While remembering his contributions to the US policies for Afghanistan, President Obama said that he was grateful to have a diplomat of Holbrooke’s calibre in his administration.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated that Holbrooke had helped in shaping American history, managing complex international relations and  securing  better future for the people. “He will be remembered as a skillful diplomat, who was able to challenge dictators and fight for US interests even during critical hours,” she concluded.

Holbrooke had a vast experience as a statesman, who worked under four Democratic presidents, starting from Lyndon Johnson to Obama. People will never forget his vital role on Vietnam issue in the Johnson government. However, his best acclaimed work was ending the Bosnia war while working as a special mediator in the Clinton government.