19/02/2008

The Trials of Henry Kissinger (video) – the making of a war criminal

"A fascinating, bombshell documentary that should shame Americans, regardless of whether or not ultimate blame finally lies with Kissinger. Should be required viewing for civics classes and would-be public servants alike." -- Brent Simon, Entertainment Today.

Granted, Kissinger is just a front man for powerful interests, but nevertheless he personally sanctioned millions of innocent deaths – all sacrificed on the altar of US corporatocracy. Did they arrest and charge him as a war criminal, with crimes against humanity? No, they gave him a Nobel Peace Prize…There again, they also nominated Bush for the same humanitarian award.

The very fact that Henry Kissinger was selected to head the commission to investigate the Sept. 11 attacks should make this documentary, `The Trials of Henry Kissinger,' required viewing for any student of politics

Based on a book by Christopher Hitchins, the film shows many former Kissinger supporters - including Nixon speech-writer, William Safire - calling the former National Security Advisor and Secretary of State secretive, a liar and even a war criminal.

Kissinger's Cold War schemes of bombing Cambodia, the genocidal invasion of East Timor by Indonesia and the coup and related atrocities in Chile are all well researched in this 80 minute film.

Amongst the many documentary interviewees is René Schneider Jr. His father, Gen. René Schneider, was head of the Chilean military when Allende was first elected. The general was killed during an attempt to kidnap him, as he was staunchly committed to the constitution, and would not bow to a coup against Allende. Evidence points to Kissinger directing that botched kidnapping.

Towards the end of the film, Schneider is asked if he planned to press charges against Kissinger for his role. His response was, `we are considering it.' The date when charges finally were first reported in the New York Times was Sept. 11, 2001. The $3 million civil suit against Kissinger quickly faded into the background in the wake of the terrorist attacks.

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