Peter Arnett, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and renowned war correspondent, has died at the age of 91, as reported by U.S. media sources. Arnett gained international acclaim in 1996 for his brave and comprehensive coverage of the Vietnam War while working for the Associated Press (AP). He later became a household name during the first Gulf War via his impactful reporting on CNN.
Throughout his distinguished career, Arnett reported on numerous conflicts across various countries, including Iraq, Vietnam, and El Salvador. His passing, surrounded by family in California, was confirmed by his son, who noted that Arnett had been receiving hospice care for prostate cancer.
Born in 1934 in Riverton, New Zealand, Arnett's journalistic journey began in Vietnam, where he worked for AP as a wire-service correspondent from 1962 until the war's conclusion in 1975. His experiences, often accompanying troops on dangerous missions, shaped his reputation as a fearless and dedicated journalist.
During a talk in 2013, Arnett recounted chilling moments from the Vietnam War, including witnessing a soldier being shot while he read a map. He shared the harrowing details of how bullets tore through the map just inches from him. Such accounts demonstrate not only his bravery but also his commitment to conveying the ground realities of war.
Arnett later transitioned to CNN in 1981, where he became one of the few Western journalists to remain in Baghdad during the first Gulf War. He vividly recalled his on-air experiences, such as the moment an explosion occurred nearby, interrupting his live broadcast.
In addition to his timely reporting in conflict zones, Arnett landed an interview with then-President Saddam Hussein while in Iraq, showcasing his dedication to uncovering the truth even in the most hostile environments. His legacy includes being the first Western journalist to interview Osama Bin Laden in 1997.
Arnett faced considerable challenges throughout his career, including his dismissal from NBC after a controversial interview on Iraqi state television. Undeterred, he continued his work, asserting his commitment to reporting the truth.
His friends and colleagues remember Arnett as an intrepid and fearless reporter who left behind a profound legacy in the field of journalism. Former colleague Edith Lederer commended him as one of the greatest war correspondents of his generation, whose storytelling impacts journalists and historians alike.
Arnett is survived by his wife, Nina Nguyen, and their children, Andrew and Elsa. His profound contributions to the field will be cherished and inspire future generations of journalists.
