Richard C Holbrooke America's high profile diplomatic trouble shooter and Obama administration's point man in the war torn Afghan-Pakistani region has died after surgery to repair a tear in his aorta. He was 69.

One of the world's most recognisable diplomats, Holbrooke's five decade long career spanned from the Vietnam War era to the war against the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan, coinciding with presidencies of John F Kennedy to Barack Obama.