Remembering Peter Arnett: A Pioneering Voice in War Reporting

Fri Dec 19 2025 03:25:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Peter Arnett, the legendary journalist who captured the stark realities of warfare from Vietnam to Iraq, has passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of courageous reporting and storytelling.

Peter Arnett, the acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist known for his bold wartime reporting, has died at 91. His career highlighted the struggles faced during the Vietnam War and the Gulf War, capturing live moments from the heart of conflict. With memorable accounts of danger and survival, Arnett’s contributions profoundly shaped journalism on war. His legacy will continue to influence aspiring journalists worldwide, and he is remembered fondly by his family and peers.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Peter Arnett, the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter known for his remarkable eyewitness accounts from war zones around the world, including Vietnam and Iraq, passed away at the age of 91. His son Andrew Arnett confirmed that Peter died on Wednesday in Newport Beach, surrounded by friends and family after a battle with prostate cancer.

Peter Arnett first gained recognition for his Vietnam War coverage while working with The Associated Press, for which he won the Pulitzer Prize in 1966. However, it was during the 1991 Gulf War that he became a household name with live broadcasts from Baghdad as missiles fell on the city.

While most Western journalists fled the capital ahead of the U.S.-led attack, Arnett remained, providing live updates from his hotel room amidst chaos. His calm reports, alongside blaring air-raid sirens, highlighted the dangers faced by reporters in conflict zones.

The Vietnam Experience

In January 1966, Arnett joined a battalion of U.S. soldiers to combat North Vietnamese snipers. He recounted harrowing moments, including when a colonel fell just inches from him, illustrating the immediate dangers of war. He later stated how he preserved crucial documents from Vietnam's tumultuous history, believing they would hold historic value.

Remaining in Vietnam until 1975, Arnett's experiences defined his career. After leaving AP in 1981, he joined CNN, spending years on the frontlines of other conflicts, including exclusive interviews with figures like Saddam Hussein.

Career Ups and Downs

In 1995, Arnett authored his memoir, 'Live From the Battlefield', which chronicled his extensive experiences as a war correspondent. Despite facing controversies and career challenges, including dismissals from major networks, Arnett's resilience led him to continue reporting for various international news outlets, maintaining his significant voice in journalism.

Arnett later transitioned to teaching journalism in China, where he influenced future generations of reporters. He and his wife, Nina Nguyen, eventually settled in Fountain Valley, California.

Born November 13, 1934, in Riverton, New Zealand, Arnett began his journalistic journey at a local newspaper, and after various travels around Southeast Asia, eventually became renowned for his fearless war coverage. His legacy is marked by both his outstanding contributions to journalism and the lasting impact on viewers and aspiring journalists alike.

Peter Arnett is survived by his wife and their children, Elsa and Andrew, who cherish his memory and the immense legacy he leaves behind.