At the beginning of his term, Powell placed an emphasis on reaffirming diplomatic alliances throughout the world, supporting a national missile defense system, working towards peace in the Middle East, and prioritizing sanctions instead of force in potential hot spots such as Iraq. He also focused on reinvigorating U. Powell's term, however, was soon dominated by the challenges the Bush Administration faced after the September 11, , terrorist attacks.
Powell was one of the foremost supporters of taking swift military action against al-Qaeda and demanded immediate cooperation from Afghanistan and Pakistan in the U. When the Administration's attention shifted to Iraq and the possibility that Saddam Hussein was manufacturing weapons of mass destruction WMD , Powell pressed to have UN inspectors investigate.
In February , Powell presented intelligence to the UN that supported the claim that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and could produce more. In , some of the intelligence that Powell had brought before the UN in was found to be erroneous. For the remainder of Bush's first term, Powell tried to establish an international coalition to assist in the rebuilding of Iraq.
In September , he testified before Congress that the intelligence sources he used in his February presentation to the United Nations were "wrong" and it was unlikely that Saddam had any stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction. Powell advised the committee of the necessity to reform the intelligence community in order to improve its gathering and analysis. In , after acknowledging it was unlikely that Iraq possessed stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction, Powell announced his resignation as secretary of state.
National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice was his successor. After his retirement, Powell remained vocal on political topics, openly criticizing the Bush administration on a number of issues. In September , Powell joined moderate Senate Republicans in supporting more rights and better treatment for detainees at the Guantanamo detention facility. In October , Powell made headlines again when he announced his endorsement of Barack Obama for president.
Powell also spent much of his retirement in the business community. Powell spent much of his life inspiring many with his leadership skills and life experiences. Along with his wife, Powell began America's Promise Alliance, as part of their dedication to the wellbeing of children and youth of all socioeconomic levels and their commitment to seeing that young people receive the resources necessary to succeed. Powell began his American journey from ordinary circumstances. His close-knit family provided support and a caring environment during his childhood.
He found his calling in the military, and his entire adult life has been in the service of his country. As a soldier, he was committed to protecting the nation and advancing democratic values. While he gravitated toward support roles early in his career, his organizational talent and pragmatic outlook were recognized by those who placed him in key government advisory roles.
He was 84 years old. We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us! Subscribe to the Biography newsletter to receive stories about the people who shaped our world and the stories that shaped their lives.
Condoleezza Rice is the first Black woman to serve as the United States' national security adviser, as well as the first Black woman to serve as U. Powell earned several military and civilian awards in his lifetime including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, twice.
Powell was the youngest person, as well as the first Black person, to serve as chairman of the joint chief of staff during the George HW Bush administration. After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in , Powell underwent surgery at the Walter Reed army medical center. He was criticized for presenting questionable intelligence to the United Nations in a minute speech, which he later called a blot on his record. With admirers in both main parties, he was touted as a vice-presidential nominee for both Democrats and Republicans.
He declared himself a Republican in There was talk of him standing against Bill Clinton in the presidential election, but Powell decided he lacked the passion for a political career. In , George W Bush appointed Powell as secretary of state, the post responsible for US relationships with foreign countries. Powell, sticking to his own doctrine, opposed US involvement in Iraq but, in an about-face, agreed to support Bush. His reputation as a man of integrity certainly helped persuade the United Nations of the case for war when he appeared before the Security Council in Just 18 months later, with Saddam Hussein toppled, Powell admitted that intelligence suggesting the Iraqi dictator had possessed "weapons of mass destruction", was almost certainly wrong.
Shortly after he announced his resignation as secretary of state. He remained outspoken on political issues, criticising the Bush administration on many fronts, including the treatment of detainees at Guantanamo Bay.
It said much for Colin Powell's diplomatic skills that he found allies on both sides of the political divide. A genial man, he was revered at the state department where he had a reputation for courtesy and an easy-going manner that belied the high office he held.
His great strength was a belief that coalition was preferable to confrontation. His rejection of the Rumsfeld strategy of unilateral intervention allowed the US to build a worldwide alliance in the war against terrorism.
US Department of Defense.
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