Kissinger & the Coup in Chile

The 1973 U.S.-directed coup overthrowing the democratically-elected government of Salvador Allende in Chile is one of the pivotal moments in 20th century Latin American history. The coup was ordered by Richard Nixon and implemented by Nobel Peace Prize-winner Henry Kissinger. After Allende’s election in 1970, Kissinger infamously demonstrated his dedication to democracy when he said, ” I don’t see why we need to stand by and watch a country go Communist due to the irresponsibility of its own people.” The coup brought to power General Augusto Pinochet who immediately launched a reign of terror. Kissinger has never been held to account for what he did in Chile. Today, he continues his career as an honored media guest and advisor to Bush and Cheney on Iraq.