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Colin Powell

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Colin Powell
Official portrait, 2001
65th United States Secretary of State

In office
January 20, 2001 – January 26, 2005
President George W. Bush
Deputy Richard Armitage
Preceded by Madeleine Albright
Succeeded by Condoleezza Rice
12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

In office
October 1, 1989 – September 30, 1993
President Page Template:Plainlist/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "wikitext").
Deputy Page Template:Plainlist/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "wikitext").
Preceded by William J. Crowe
Succeeded by John Shalikashvili
15th United States National Security Advisor

In office
November 23, 1987 – January 20, 1989
President Ronald Reagan
Deputy John Negroponte
Preceded by Frank Carlucci
Succeeded by Brent Scowcroft
United States Deputy National Security Advisor

In office
December 2, 1986 – November 23, 1987
President Ronald Reagan
Preceded by Peter Rodman
Succeeded by John Negroponte
Personal details
Born Colin Luther Powell
(1937-04-05)April 5, 1937
New York City, U.S.
Died October 18, 2021(2021-10-18) (aged 84)
Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.
Resting place Arlington National Cemetery
Political party Page Template:Plainlist/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "wikitext").
  • Independent (until 1995, 2021)
  • Republican (1995–2021)
Spouse(s) Alma Johnson (m. 1962)
Children 3, including Michael and Linda
Signature
Military service
Allegiance  United States
Service/branch  United States Army
Years of service 1958–1993
Rank General
Unit Page Template:Plainlist/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "wikitext").
Commands Template:Indented plainlist
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Colin Luther Powell (/ˈkoʊl[unsupported input]n ˈpaʊəl/ koh-LIN-_-POW-əl;[lower-alpha 1] (1937-04-05)April 5, 1937 – October 18, 2021(2021-10-18)) was an American Army general, diplomat, and statesman[3] who was the 65th United States secretary of state from 2001 to 2005. A member of the Republican Party, he was the first African-American to hold the office.[4] He was the 15th national security advisor from 1987 to 1989, and the 12th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993.

Powell was born in New York City in 1937 to parents who immigrated from Jamaica. He was raised in the South Bronx and educated in the New York City public schools, earning a bachelor's degree in geology from the City College of New York. He joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps while at City College and was commissioned as a second lieutenant on graduating in 1958. He was a professional soldier for 35 years, holding many command and staff positions and rising to the rank of four-star general. He was commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command in 1989.

Powell's last military assignment, from October 1989 to September 1993, was as Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, the highest military position in the United States Department of Defense. During this time, he oversaw twenty-eight crises, including the invasion of Panama in 1989 and Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf War against Iraq in 1990–1991. He formulated the Powell Doctrine, which limits American military action unless it satisfies criteria regarding American national security interests, overwhelming force, and widespread public support.[5] He served as secretary of state under Republican president George W. Bush. As secretary of state, Powell gave a presentation to the United Nations Security Council regarding the rationale for the Iraq War, but he later admitted that the speech contained substantial inaccuracies. He resigned after Bush was reelected in 2004.[6][7][8]

In 1995, Powell wrote his autobiography, My American Journey and then in retirement another book titled, It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership (2012). He pursued a career as a public speaker, addressing audiences across the country and abroad. Before his appointment as Secretary of State he chaired America's Promise. In the 2016 United States presidential election, Powell, who was not a candidate, received three electoral votes from Washington state for the office of President of the United States.[9] He won numerous U.S. and foreign military awards and decorations, including the Purple Heart. His civilian awards included the Presidential Medal of Freedom (twice), the Congressional Gold Medal, the Presidential Citizens Medal, and the Secretary's Distinguished Service Award. Powell died from complications of COVID-19 in 2021, while being treated for a form of blood cancer that damaged his immune system.[10]

Early life and education[]

Colin Luther Powell was born on (1937-04-05)April 5, 1937,[11][12] in Harlem, a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Manhattan.[13] He was born to Jamaican immigrants Maud Ariel (née McKoy) and Luther Theophilus Powell.[13][14] His parents were both of mixed African, Irish, and Scottish ancestry.[15][16] Luther worked as a shipping clerk and Maud as a seamstress.[17] Powell was raised in the South Bronx and attended the now closed Morris High School, from which he graduated in 1954.[18]

While at school, Powell worked at a local baby furniture store, where he picked up Yiddish from the Eastern European Jewish shopkeepers and some of the customers.[19] He also served as a Shabbos goy, helping Orthodox families with needed tasks on the Sabbath.[20] He received a bachelor of science degree in geology from the City College of New York in 1958[21][22] and said that he was a "C average" student.[23] While at CCNY, Powell shifted his study focus to the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and became a "straight A student" in it;[24] he held the distinction of being the first chairman to have attained his commission through the ROTC.[24] Powell also graduated from George Washington University with an MBA in 1971 and was awarded an honorary doctor of public service in 1990.[25]

Military career[]

Powell was a professional soldier for thirty-five years, holding a variety of command and staff positions and rising to the rank of general.[26]

Training[]

While attending the City College of New York, Powell joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC).[27] He described the experience as one of the happiest experiences of his life. According to Powell:

It was only once I was in college, about six months into college when I found something that I liked, and that was ROTC, Reserve Officer Training Corps in the military. And I not only liked it, but I was pretty good at it. That's what you really have to look for in life, something that you like, and something that you think you're pretty good at. And if you can put those two things together, then you're on the right track, and just drive on.[28]

As a cadet, Powell joined the Pershing Rifles,[29] the ROTC fraternal organization and drill team begun by General John Pershing.

Early career[]

Upon graduation, he received a commission as an Army second lieutenant;[30] at this time, the Army was newly desegregated[13] Template:Xref. He underwent training in the state of Georgia, where he was refused service in bars and restaurants because of the color of his skin.[31] After attending basic training at Fort Benning, Powell was assigned to the 48th Infantry, in West Germany, as a platoon leader.[32] From 1960 to 1962, he served as group liaison officer, company executive officer, and commander of Company A, 1st Battle Group, 4th Infantry, 2nd Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Devens, Massachusetts.[33]

Vietnam War[]

Captain Powell served a tour in Vietnam as a South Vietnamese Army (ARVN) advisor from 1962 to 1963. While on patrol in a Viet Cong-held area, he was wounded by stepping on a punji stake and was awarded a Purple Heart.[34] The large infection made it difficult for him to walk, and caused his foot to swell for a short time, shortening his first tour.[35]

Powell returned to Vietnam as a major in 1968, serving as assistant chief of staff of operations for the 23rd (Americal) Infantry Division. During the second tour in Vietnam he was decorated with the Soldier's Medal for bravery after he survived a helicopter crash and single-handedly rescued three others, including division commander Major General Charles M. Gettys, from the burning wreckage.[32][36]

My Lai massacre inquiry[]

Soldiers actively hunted, herded, and killed elderly people, children, infants, and raped women while other Soldiers [sic] looked on and did nothing to stop the massacre. An estimated 350 to 500 unarmed civilians died in My Lai ... MAJ Colin Powell, a recently assigned Deputy G3, investigated the allegations described in the [Glen] letter. He proved unable to uncover either wide-spread unnecessary killings, war crimes, or any facts related to My Lai ...

Powell was charged with investigating a detailed letter by 11th Light Infantry Brigade soldier Tom Glen, which backed up rumored allegations of the 1968 My Lai massacre.[37] Powell wrote: "In direct refutation of this portrayal is the fact that relations between Americal soldiers and the Vietnamese people are excellent".[38] Later, Powell's assessment would be described as whitewashing the news of the massacre, and questions would continue to remain undisclosed to the public.[39] In May 2004, Powell said to television and radio host Larry King, "I was in a unit that was responsible for My Lai. I got there after My Lai happened. So, in war, these sorts of horrible things happen every now and again, but they are still to be deplored".[40]

After the Vietnam War[]

Nixon Contact Sheet WHPO-E0416 Colin Powell

Richard Nixon and Powell, 1973

When he returned to the U.S. from Vietnam in 1971, Powell earned a Master of Business Administration degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.[21][31] He later served a White House Fellowship under President Richard Nixon from 1972 to 1973. During 1975–1976 he attended the National War College, Washington, D.C.[41]

In his autobiography, My American Journey, Powell named several officers he served under who inspired and mentored him. As a lieutenant colonel commanding 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry, 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea, Powell was very close to his division commander, Major General Henry "Gunfighter" Emerson, whom he regarded as one of the most caring officers he ever met.[42] Emerson insisted his troops train at night to fight a possible North Korean attack, and made them repeatedly watch the television film Brian's Song to promote racial harmony. Powell always professed that what set Emerson apart was his great love of his soldiers and concern for their welfare. After a race riot occurred, in which African-American soldiers almost killed a white officer, Powell was charged by Emerson to crack down on black militants; Powell's efforts led to the discharge of one soldier, and other efforts to reduce racial tensions.[32] During 1976–1977 he commanded the 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division.[17]

Powell subsequently served as the junior military assistant to deputy secretaries of defense Charles Duncan and Graham Claytor, receiving a promotion to brigadier general on 1 June 1979.[29]:588 At the ceremony, he received from Secretary Harold Brown's protocol officer, Stuart Purviance, a framed quotation by President Abraham Lincoln. The quote was "I can make a brigadier general in five minutes. But it's not so easy to replace one hundred ten horses". Taped to the back of the frame was an envelope with instructions that it not be opened for ten years. When Powell opened the note in 1989, after he had become Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he read Purviance's prediction that Powell would become Chief of Staff of the United States Army. Powell wrote that he kept the Lincoln quote as a reminder to remain humble despite his rank and position.[29]:590

National Security Advisor and other advisory roles[]

Powell retained his role as the now-senior military assistant into the presidency of Ronald Reagan, serving under Claytor's successor as deputy secretary of defense, Frank Carlucci. Powell and Carlucci formed a close friendship,[29]:631 referring to each by first names in private, as Powell refused any sort of first-name basis in an official capacity.[29]:618 It was on Powell's advice that newly-elected President Ronald Reagan presented Roy Benavidez the Medal of Honor; Benavidez had received the Distinguished Service Cross, which his commander argued should be upgraded, but Army officials believed there was no living eyewitness to testify to Benavidez's heroism. A soldier who had been present during the action in question learned in July 1980 of the effort to upgrade Benavidez's medal and provided the necessary sworn statement; the upgrade to the Medal of Honor was approved in December 1980.[29]:622–23[43] Powell also declined an offer from Secretary of the Army John O. Marsh Jr. to be his under secretary due to his reluctance to assume a political appointment; James R. Ambrose was selected instead.[29]:623–28 Intent on attaining a division command, Powell petitioned Carlucci and Army chief of staff Edward C. Meyer for reassignment away from the Pentagon, with Meyer appointing Powell as assistant division commander for operations and training of the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado under Major General John W. Hudachek.[29]:628–29

After he left Fort Carson, Powell became the senior military assistant to Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, whom he assisted during the 1983 invasion of Grenada[44] and the 1986 airstrike on Libya.[45] Under Weinberger, Powell was also involved in the unlawful transfer of U.S.-made TOW anti-tank missiles and Hawk anti-aircraft missiles from Israel to Iran as part of the criminal conspiracy that would later become known as the Iran–Contra affair.[46]:{{{1}}}[47] In November 1985, Powell solicited and delivered to Weinberger a legal assessment that the transfer of Hawk missiles to Israel or Iran, without Congressional notification, would be "a clear violation" of the law.[46]:345[47] Despite this, thousands of TOW missiles and hundreds of Hawk missiles and spare parts were transferred from Israel to Iran until the venture was exposed in a Lebanese magazine, Ash-Shiraa, in November 1986.[48][49][50] According to Iran-Contra Independent Counsel Lawrence E. Walsh, when questioned by Congress, Powell "had given incomplete answers" concerning notes withheld by Weinberger and that the activities of Powell and others in concealing the notes "seemed corrupt enough to meet the new, poorly defined test of obstruction".[46]:403 Following his resignation as Secretary of Defense, Weinberger was indicted on five felony charges, including one count Obstruction of Congress for concealing the notes.[51][52]:{{{1}}} Powell was never indicted by the Independent Counsel in connection with the Iran-Contra affair.[52]

President Ronald Reagan and Colin Powell

President Ronald Reagan and National Security Advisor Powell, 18 April 1988

In 1986, Powell took over the command of V Corps in Frankfurt, Germany, from Robert Lewis "Sam" Wetzel. The next year, he served as United States Deputy National Security Advisor, under Frank Carlucci.[53]

Following the Iran–Contra scandal, Powell became, at the age of 49, Ronald Reagan's National Security Advisor, serving from 1987 to 1989 while retaining his Army commission as a lieutenant general.[54] He helped negotiate a number of arms treaties with Mikhail Gorbachev, the leader of the Soviet Union.[13]

In April 1989, after his tenure with the National Security Council, Powell was promoted to four-star general under President George H. W. Bush and briefly served as the Commander in Chief, Forces Command (FORSCOM), headquartered at Fort McPherson, Georgia, overseeing all active U.S. Army regulars, U.S. Army Reserve, and National Guard units in the Continental U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. He became the third general since World War II to reach four-star rank without ever serving as a division commander,[45] joining Dwight D. Eisenhower and Alexander Haig.

Later that year, President George H. W. Bush selected him as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.[55]

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff[]

GEN Colin Powell

Powell's official portrait as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, c. 1989

Powell's last military assignment, from 1 October 1989 to 30 September 1993, was as the 12th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the Department of Defense. At age 52, he became the youngest officer, and first Afro-Caribbean American, to serve in this position. Powell was also the first JCS chair who received his commission through ROTC.[56]

During this time, Powell oversaw responses to 28 crises, including the invasion of Panama in 1989 to remove General Manuel Noriega from power and Operation Desert Storm in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. During these events, Powell earned the nickname "the reluctant warrior" – although Powell himself disputed this label, and spoke in favor of the first Bush administration's Gulf War policies.[57]

As a military strategist, Powell advocated an approach to military conflicts that maximizes the potential for success and minimizes casualties. A component of this approach is the use of overwhelming force, which he applied to Operation Desert Storm in 1991. His approach has been dubbed the Powell Doctrine.[58] Powell continued as chairman of the JCS into the Clinton presidency. However, as a realist, he considered himself a bad fit for an administration largely made up of liberal internationalists.[59] He clashed with then-U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Madeleine Albright over the Bosnian crisis, as he opposed any military intervention that did not involve U.S. interests.[60]

Powell also regularly clashed with Secretary of Defense Leslie Aspin, whom he was initially hesitant to support after Aspin was nominated by President Clinton.[61] During a lunch meeting between Powell and Aspin in preparation of Operation Gothic Serpent, Aspin was more focused on eating salad than listening and paying attention to Powell's presentation on military operations.[61] The incident caused Powell to grow more irritated towards Aspin and led to his early resignation on 30 September 1993. Powell was succeeded temporarily by Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral David E. Jeremiah, who took the position as Acting Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Soon after Powell's resignation, on 3–4 October 1993, the Battle of Mogadishu, the aim of which was to capture Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid, was initiated and ended in disaster. Powell later defended Aspin, saying in part that he could not fault Aspin for Aspin's decision to remove a Lockheed AC-130 from the list of armaments requested for the operation.[62]

Powell took an early resignation from his tenure as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on 30 September 1993.[63]

The following year President Clinton sent newly retired Powell, together with former president Jimmy Carter and Senator Sam Nunn, to visit Haiti in an effort to persuade General Raoul Cédras and the ruling junta to abdicate in favor of former Haitian President Aristide, under the threat of an imminent US invasion to remove them by force. Powell's status as a retired general was well known and respected in Haiti and was held to be instrumental in persuading Gen. Cédras.[63]

During his chairmanship of the JCS, there was discussion of awarding Powell a fifth star, granting him the rank of General of the Army.[64] But even in the wake of public and Congressional pressure[65][66] to do so, Clinton-Gore presidential transition team staffers decided against it.[67][68][69]

Dates of rank[]

Promotions
Rank Date
General 4 April 1989
Lieutenant general 1 July 1986
Major general 1 August 1983
Brigadier general 1 June 1979
Colonel 1 February 1976
Lieutenant colonel 9 July 1970
Major 24 May 1966
Captain 2 June 1962
First lieutenant 30 December 1959
Second lieutenant 9 June 1958

Awards and decorations[]

Badges[]

Medals and ribbons[]

Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
 Defense Distinguished Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters[71]
Bronze oak leaf cluster
 Army Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster[71]
Navy Distinguished Service Medal[71]
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal[71]
Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal[71]
Defense Superior Service Medal[71]
Bronze oak leaf cluster
 Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster[71]
Soldier's Medal[71]
Bronze Star Medal[45]
Purple Heart[45]
Air Medal[70]
Joint Service Commendation Medal[70]
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
 Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters[70]
Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction (1993)[72]
Presidential Medal of Freedom (1991)[73]
Presidential Citizens Medal[74]
Secretary's Distinguished Service Award[74]
National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star
Vietnam Service Medal with silver service star
Army Service Ribbon[70]
Army Overseas Service Ribbon with award numeral 4
N/A Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service (2021)[75]

Foreign decorations[]

Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) (United Kingdom)
Légion d'honneur, Grand Cross (France)
Meritorious Service Cross (M.S.C.) (Canada)
Skanderbeg's Order (Albania)
Order of Stara Planina in the First Order (Bulgaria)[76][77]
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
National Order of the Lion, Grand Officer (Senegal)

Potential presidential candidate[]

DA-SD-05-00599

Powell, as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, waves from his motorcade during the Persian Gulf War Welcome Home Parade in New York City

Powell's experience in military matters made him a very popular figure with both American political parties. Many Democrats admired his moderate stance on military matters, while many Republicans saw him as a great asset associated with the successes of past Republican administrations. Put forth as a potential Democratic vice presidential nominee in the 1992 U.S. presidential election[78] or even potentially replacing Vice President Dan Quayle as the Republican vice presidential nominee,[79] Powell eventually declared himself a Republican and began to campaign for Republican candidates in 1995.[80][81] He was touted as a possible opponent of Bill Clinton in the 1996 U.S. presidential election, possibly capitalizing on a split conservative vote in Iowa[82] and even leading New Hampshire polls for the GOP nomination,[83] but Powell declined, citing a lack of passion for politics.[84] Powell defeated Clinton 50–38 in a hypothetical match-up proposed to voters in the exit polls conducted on Election Day.[85] Despite not standing in the race, Powell won the Republican New Hampshire Vice-Presidential primary on write-in votes.[86]

In 1997, Powell founded America's Promise with the objective of helping children from all socioeconomic sectors. That same year saw the establishment of The Colin L. Powell Center for Leadership and Service. The mission of the center is to "prepare new generations of publicly engaged leaders from populations previously underrepresented in public service and policy circles, to build a strong culture of civic engagement at City College, and to mobilize campus resources to meet pressing community needs and serve the public good".[87]

Powell was mentioned as a potential candidate in the 2000 U.S. presidential election, but again decided against running.[88] Once Texas governor George W. Bush secured the Republican nomination, Powell endorsed him for president and spoke at the 2000 Republican National Convention.[89][90] Bush won the general election and appointed Powell as secretary of state in 2001.[91]

In the electoral college vote count of 2016, Powell received three votes for president from faithless electors from the state of Washington.[92]

Secretary of State (2001–2005)[]

Condoleezza Rice Colin Powell George W. Bush Donald Rumsfeld

Powell, National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld listen to President George W. Bush speak

President-elect George W. Bush named Powell as his nominee to be secretary of state in a ceremony at his ranch in Crawford, Texas on 16 December 2000.[93] This made Powell the first person to formally accept a Cabinet post in the Bush administration,[93][94] as well the first black United States secretary of state.[13] As secretary of state, Powell was perceived as moderate. Powell was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate by voice vote on 20 January 2001,[95] and ceremonially sworn in on 26 January.[96][97] Over the course of his tenure he traveled less than any other U.S. Secretary of State in thirty years.[98] This is partly attributed to a letter from former diplomat George F. Kennan, who advised Powell to focus on his duties as the president's principal foreign policy advisor and avoid trips that risked undercutting the duties of the ambassadors.[99]

On September 11, 2001, Powell was in Lima, Peru, meeting with president Alejandro Toledo and attending a meeting of foreign ministers of the Organization of American States.[100][101] After the terror attacks that day, Powell's job became of critical importance in managing the United States of America's relationships with foreign countries to secure a stable coalition in the War on Terrorism.[citation needed] Powell’s diplomatic skills led to immediate consensus, and the Inter-American Democratic Charter was approved by acclamation on September 11, 2001. The charter is regarded as one of the most comprehensive inter-American documents, created to promote and strengthen democratic ideas, practices, and culture among the states of the Americas.[102]

2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq[]

My second purpose today is ... to share with you what the United States knows about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction ... Iraq's behavior demonstrate that Saddam Hussein and his regime have made no effort ... to disarm as required by the international community. Indeed, the facts and Iraq's behavior show that Saddam Hussein and his regime are concealing their efforts to produce more weapons of mass destruction ... every statement I make today is backed up by sources, solid sources. These are not assertions. What we're giving you are facts and conclusions based on solid intelligence.

Powell came under fire for his role in building the case for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. A 2004 report by the Iraq Survey Group concluded that the evidence that Powell offered to support the allegation that the Iraqi government possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) was inaccurate.[103] As early as 2000 on the day Powell was nominated to be Secretary of State he told the press "Saddam is sitting on a failed regime that is not going to be around in a few years time".[104]

In a press statement on 24 February 2001, Powell had said that sanctions against Iraq had prevented the development of any weapons of mass destruction by Saddam Hussein.[105] Powell favored involving the international community in the invasion, as opposed to a unilateral approach.[106]

Powell UN Iraq presentation, alleged Mobile Production Facilities

Computer-generated image of an alleged mobile production facility for biological weapons, presented by Powell at the UN Security Council. On 27 May 2003, U.S. and British experts examined the trailers and declared they had nothing to do with biological weapons.[107]

Colin Powell anthrax vial. 5 Feb 2003 at the UN

Powell holding a model vial of anthrax while giving a presentation to the United Nations Security Council in February 2003

Powell's chief role was to garner international support for a multi-national coalition to mount the invasion. To this end, Powell addressed a plenary session of the United Nations Security Council on 5 February 2003, to argue in favor of military action.[108] Citing numerous anonymous Iraqi defectors, Powell asserted that "there can be no doubt that Saddam Hussein has biological weapons and the capability to rapidly produce more, many more". Powell also stated that there was "no doubt in my mind" that Saddam was working to obtain key components to produce nuclear weapons.[109] Powell stated that he gave his speech to the UN on "four days' notice".[110][111]

Britain's Channel 4 News reported soon afterwards that a British intelligence dossier that Powell had referred to as a "fine paper" during his presentation had been based on old material and plagiarized an essay by American graduate student Ibrahim al-Marashi.[112][113]

A Senate report on intelligence failures would later detail the intense debate that went on behind the scenes on what to include in Powell's speech. State Department analysts had found dozens of factual problems in drafts of the speech. Some of the claims were taken out, but others were left in, such as claims based on the yellowcake forgery.[114] The administration came under fire for having acted on faulty intelligence, particularly that which was single-sourced to the informant known as Curveball. Powell later recounted how Vice President Dick Cheney had joked with him before he gave the speech, telling him, "You've got high poll ratings; you can afford to lose a few points". Powell's longtime aide-de-camp and Chief of Staff from 1989 to 2003, Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, later characterized Cheney's view of Powell's mission as to "go up there and sell it, and we'll have moved forward a peg or two. Fall on your damn sword and kill yourself, and I'll be happy, too".[115]

In September 2005, Powell was asked about the speech during an interview with Barbara Walters and responded that it was a "blot" on his record. He went on to say, "It will always be a part of my record. It was painful. It's painful now".[116]

Wilkerson later said that he inadvertently participated in a hoax on the American people in preparing Powell's erroneous testimony before the United Nations Security Council.[117]

As recounted in Soldier: The Life of Colin Powell, in 2001 before 9/11, Richard A. Clarke, a National Security Council holdover from the Clinton administration, pushed the new Bush administration for action against al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, a move opposed by Paul Wolfowitz who advocated for the creation of a "U.S.-protected, opposition-run 'liberated' enclave around the southern Iraqi city of Basra".[118] Powell referred to Wolfowitz and other top members of Donald Rumsfeld's staff "as the 'JINSA crowd,' " in reference to the pro-Israel Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs.[119] Again invoking "the JINSA crowd" Powell also attributed the decision to go to war in Iraq in 2003 to the neoconservative belief that regime change in Baghdad "was a first and necessary stop on the road to peace in Jerusalem".[120]

A review of Soldier by Tim Rutten criticized Powell's remarks as a "blot on his record", accusing Powell of slandering "neoconservatives in the Defense Department – nearly all of them Jews" with "old and wholly unmeritorious allegations of dual loyalty".[121] A 2007 article about fears that Jewish groups "will be accused of driving America into a war with the regime in Tehran" cited the DeYoung biography and quoted JINSA's then-executive director, Thomas Neumann, as "surprised" Powell "would single out a Jewish group when naming those who supported the war". Neumann said, "I am not accusing Powell of anything, but these are words that the antisemites will use in the future".[122]

Jaap de Hoop Scheffer

Secretary Powell with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer

Once Saddam Hussein had been deposed, Powell's renewed role was to once again establish a working international coalition, this time to assist in the rebuilding of post-war Iraq. On 13 September 2004, Powell testified before the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee,[123] acknowledging that the sources who provided much of the information in his February 2003 UN presentation were "wrong" and that it was "unlikely" that any stockpiles of WMDs would be found. Claiming that he was unaware that some intelligence officials questioned the information prior to his presentation, Powell pushed for reform in the intelligence community, including the creation of a national intelligence director who would assure that "what one person knew, everyone else knew".[124]

Other foreign policy issues[]

Additionally, Powell was critical of other aspects of U.S. foreign policy in the past, such as its support for the 1973 Chilean coup d'état that deposed the democratically elected president Salvador Allende in favor of Augusto Pinochet. From two separate interviews in 2003, Powell stated in one about the 1973 event: "I can't justify or explain the actions and decisions that were made at that time. It was a different time. There was a great deal of concern about communism in this part of the world. Communism was a threat to the democracies in this part of the world. It was a threat to the United States".[125] In another interview, he also simply stated: "With respect to your earlier comment about Chile in the 1970s and what happened with Mr. Allende, it is not a part of American history that we're proud of."[126]

US Navy 050105-N-6020P-115 Secretary of State Colin Powell speaks to members of the international press about the United State's involvement in disaster relief at a press conference held at the Banda Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia airport

Powell in Banda Aceh speaking on United States's involvement in recovery efforts following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami with Alwi Shihab wearing green.

In the Hainan Island incident of 1 April 2001, a United States US EP-3 surveillance aircraft collided mid-air with a Chinese Shenyang J-8 jet fighter over the South China Sea.[127] While somewhat ambiguous, Powell's expression of "very sorry" was accepted as sufficient for the formal apology that China had sought.[127] The incident was nonetheless a serious flare-up in United States-China relations and created negative feelings towards the United States by the Chinese public and increased public feelings of Chinese nationalism.[127]

In September 2004, Powell described the Darfur genocide as "genocide", thus becoming the first cabinet member to apply the term "genocide" to events in an ongoing conflict.[128]

In November the president "forced Powell to resign", according to Walter LaFeber.[6] Powell announced his resignation as Secretary of State on 15 November 2004, shortly after Bush was reelected. Bush's desire for Powell to resign was communicated to Powell via a phone call by Bush's chief of staff, Andrew Card.[115] The following day, Bush nominated National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice as Powell's successor.[129]

In mid-November, Powell stated that he had seen new evidence suggesting that Iran was adapting missiles for a nuclear delivery system. The accusation came at the same time as the settlement of an agreement between Iran, the IAEA, and the European Union.[130]

Although biographer Jeffrey J. Matthews is highly critical of how Powell misled the United Nations Security Council regarding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, he credits Powell with a series of achievements at the State Department. These include restoration of morale to psychologically demoralized professional diplomats, leadership of the international HIV/AIDS initiative, resolving a crisis with China, and blocking efforts to tie Saddam Hussein to the 9/11 attacks on the United States.[131]

Life after diplomatic service[]

After retiring from the role of Secretary of State, Powell returned to private life. In April 2005, he was privately telephoned by Republican senators Lincoln Chafee and Chuck Hagel,[132] at which time Powell expressed reservations and mixed reviews about the nomination of John Bolton as ambassador to the United Nations, but refrained from advising the senators to oppose Bolton (Powell had clashed with Bolton during Bush's first term).[133] The decision was viewed as potentially dealing significant damage to Bolton's chances of confirmation. Bolton was put into the position via a recess appointment because of the strong opposition in the Senate.[134]

Ki-moon Powell

Powell with Ban Ki-moon, 2004

On 28 April 2005, an opinion piece in The Guardian by Sidney Blumenthal (a former top aide to President Bill Clinton) claimed that Powell was in fact "conducting a campaign" against Bolton because of the acrimonious battles they had had while working together, which among other things had resulted in Powell cutting Bolton out of talks with Iran and Libya after complaints about Bolton's involvement from the British. Blumenthal added that "The foreign relations committee has discovered that Bolton made a highly unusual request and gained access to 10 intercepts by the National Security Agency. Staff members on the committee believe that Bolton was probably spying on Powell, his senior advisors and other officials reporting to him on diplomatic initiatives that Bolton opposed".[135]

In September 2005, Powell criticized the response to Hurricane Katrina, and said thousands of people were not properly protected because they were poor, rather than because they were black.[136]

King Abdullah with Dick Cheney George H.W. Bush, August 2005

Powell walks with newly crowned King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, Vice President Dick Cheney, and former President George H. W. Bush, Saudi Arabia, August 2005

On 5 January 2006, he participated in a meeting at the White House of former Secretaries of Defense and State to discuss United States foreign policy with Bush administration officials. In September 2006, Powell sided with more moderate Senate Republicans in supporting more rights for detainees and opposing President Bush's terrorism bill. He backed Senators John Warner, John McCain, and Lindsey Graham in their statement that U.S. military and intelligence personnel in future wars will suffer for abuses committed in 2006 by the U.S. in the name of fighting terrorism. Powell stated that "The world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism".[137]

In 2007, he joined the board of directors of Steve Case's new company Revolution Health. Powell also served on the Council on Foreign Relations Board of directors.[138] In 2008, Powell served as a spokesperson for National Mentoring Month, a campaign held each January to recruit volunteer mentors for at-risk youth.[139] Soon after Barack Obama's 2008 election, Powell began being mentioned as a possible cabinet member.[140] He was not nominated. In September 2009, Powell advised President Obama against surging U.S. forces in Afghanistan.[141] The president announced the surge the following December.

In 2010, Powell joined the Smithsonian advisory council. Together with his wife, Alma Powell, they are the founding donors who offer their support to the museum's capital campaign and Living History campaign. He was an advocate for the National Museum of African American History and Culture.[24] In March 2014, Salesforce.com announced that Powell had joined its board of directors.[142]

Political positions[]

External video
TODAY interview on NBC with Powell calling for President Trump's resignation, 8 January 2021, TODAY

During his early political career through his tenure within the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Powell was an independent. Powell was a moderate Republican from 1995 until 2021. In 2021, Powell recanted his status as a Republican following the storming of the United States Capitol on 6 January. The attack moved Powell to call for President Trump's resignation, noting: "I wish he would do what Nixon did and just step down. Somebody ought to go up to him and it's over". Powell also accused Trump of attempting to "overthrow the government", and that Trump's false claims of a stolen election were "dangerous for our democracy".[143][144] Powell was pro-choice regarding abortion,[145] and expressed some support for an assault weapons ban.[146] He stated in his autobiography that he supported affirmative action that levels the playing field, without giving a leg up to undeserving persons because of racial issues. Powell originally suggested the don't ask, don't tell policy to President Clinton,[147] though he later supported its repeal as proposed by Robert Gates and Admiral Mike Mullen in January 2010, saying "circumstances had changed".[148]

External video
Booknotes interview with Powell on My American Journey, 7 January 1996, C-SPAN

Powell gained attention in 2004 when, in a conversation with British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, he reportedly referred to neoconservatives within the Bush administration as "fucking crazies".[149]

In a September 2006 letter to John McCain, Powell expressed opposition to President Bush's push for military tribunals of those formerly and currently classified as enemy combatants. Specifically, he objected to the effort in Congress to "redefine Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention". He also asserted: "The world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism".[150]

Defending the Iraq War[]

At the 2007 Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado,[151] Powell stated that he had spent two and a half hours explaining to President Bush "the consequences of going into an Arab country and becoming the occupiers". During this discussion, he insisted that the U.S. appeal to the United Nations first, but if diplomacy failed, he would support the invasion: "I also had to say to him that you are the President, you will have to make the ultimate judgment, and if the judgment is this isn't working and we don't think it is going to solve the problem, then if military action is undertaken I'm with you, I support you".[152]

In a 2008 interview on CNN, Powell reiterated his support for the 2003 decision to invade Iraq in the context of his endorsement of Barack Obama, stating: "My role has been very, very straightforward. I wanted to avoid a war. The president [Bush] agreed with me. We tried to do that. We couldn't get it through the U.N. and when the president made the decision, I supported that decision. And I've never blinked from that. I've never said I didn't support a decision to go to war".[153]

Powell's position on the Iraq War troop surge of 2007 was less consistent. In December 2006, he expressed skepticism that the strategy would work and whether the U.S. military had enough troops to carry it out successfully. He stated: "I am not persuaded that another surge of troops into Baghdad for the purposes of suppressing this communitarian violence, this civil war, will work".[154] Following his endorsement of Barack Obama in October 2008, however, Powell praised General David Petraeus and U.S. troops, as well as the Iraqi government, concluding that "it's starting to turn around".[153] By mid-2009, he had concluded a surge of U.S. forces in Iraq should have come sooner, perhaps in late 2003.[155]

Endorsement of Barack Obama[]

Powell donated the maximum allowable amount to John McCain's campaign in the summer of 2007[156] and in early 2008, his name was listed as a possible running mate for Republican nominee McCain's bid during the 2008 U.S. presidential election.[157]

McCain won the Republican presidential nomination, but the Democrats nominated the first black candidate, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois. On 19 October 2008, Powell announced his endorsement of Obama during a Meet the Press interview, citing "his ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign, because he is reaching out all across America, because of who he is and his rhetorical abilities", in addition to his "style and substance". He additionally referred to Obama as a "transformational figure".[158][159] Powell further questioned McCain's judgment in appointing Sarah Palin as the vice presidential candidate, stating that despite the fact that she is admired, "now that we have had a chance to watch her for some seven weeks, I don't believe she's ready to be president of the United States, which is the job of the vice president". He said that Obama's choice for vice president, Joe Biden, was ready to be president. He also added that he was "troubled" by the "false intimations that Obama was Muslim". Powell stated that "[Obama] is a Christian – he's always been a Christian... But the really right answer is, what if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no, that's not America". Powell then mentioned Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan, a Muslim American soldier in the U.S. Army who served and died in the Iraq War. He later stated, "Over the last seven weeks, the approach of the Republican Party has become narrower and narrower [...] I look at these kind of approaches to the campaign, and they trouble me".[158][159] Powell concluded his Sunday morning talk show comments with "It isn't easy for me to disappoint Sen. McCain in the way that I have this morning, and I regret that [...] I think we need a transformational figure. I think we need a president who is a generational change and that's why I'm supporting Barack Obama, not out of any lack of respect or admiration for Sen. John McCain".[160] Later in a 12 December 2008, CNN interview with Fareed Zakaria, Powell reiterated his belief that during the last few months of the campaign, Palin pushed the Republican party further to the right and had a polarizing impact on it.[161]

When asked why he was still a Republican on Meet the Press he said, "I'm still a Republican. And I think the Republican Party needs me more than the Democratic Party needs me. And you can be a Republican and still feel strongly about issues such as immigration, and improving our education system, and doing something about some of the social problems that exist in our society and our country. I don't think there's anything inconsistent with this".[162]

Views on the Obama administration[]

In a July 2009 CNN interview with John King, Powell expressed concern over President Obama increasing the size of the federal government and the size of the federal budget deficit.[163] In September 2010, he criticized the Obama administration for not focusing "like a razor blade" on the economy and job creation. Powell reiterated that Obama was a "transformational figure".[164] In a video that aired on CNN.com in November 2011, Colin Powell said in reference to Barack Obama, "many of his decisions have been quite sound. The financial system was put back on a stable basis".[165]

On 25 October 2012, 12 days before the presidential election, he gave his endorsement to President Obama for re-election during a broadcast of CBS This Morning. He considered the administration to have had success and achieved progress in foreign and domestic policy arenas. As additional reasons for his endorsement, Powell cited the changing positions and perceived lack of thoughtfulness of Mitt Romney on foreign affairs, and a concern for the validity of Romney's economic plans.[166]

In an interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer and George Stephanopoulos during ABC's coverage of President Obama's second inauguration, Powell criticized members of the Republican Party who spread "things that demonize the president". He called on GOP leaders to publicly denounce such talk.[167]

2016 e-mail leaks and criticism of Donald Trump[]

Powell was vocal about the state of the Republican Party. Speaking at a Washington Ideas forum in 2015, he warned the audience that the Republican Party had begun a move to the fringe right, lessening the chances of a Republican presidency in the future. On Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's statements regarding immigrants, Powell noted there were many immigrants working in Trump hotels.[168]

Powell denounced the "nastiness" of the 2016 Republican primaries. He compared the race to reality television, and said the campaign had gone "into the mud".[169]

Powell accused the Hillary Clinton campaign of trying to pin her email controversy on him. Speaking to People magazine, Powell said "she was using [the private email server] for a year before I sent her a memo telling her what I did".[170]

On 13 September 2016, emails were obtained that revealed Powell's private communications regarding both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Powell privately reiterated his comments regarding Clinton's email scandal, writing, "I have told Hillary's minions repeatedly that they are making a mistake trying to drag me in, yet they still try", and complaining that "Hillary's mafia keeps trying to suck me into it".[171] In another email, Powell said she should have told everyone what she did "two years ago", and said that she has not "been covering herself with glory". Writing on the 2012 Benghazi attack controversy surrounding Clinton, Powell said to then U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice, "Benghazi is a stupid witch hunt". Commenting on Clinton in a general sense, he mused that "Everything HRC touches she kind of screws up with hubris", and "I would rather not have to vote for her, although she is a friend I respect".[172] Powell publicly endorsed Clinton on 25 October 2016, "because I think she's qualified, and the other gentleman is not qualified".[173] In private emails, Powell called Donald Trump a "national disgrace" with "no sense of shame". He wrote of Trump's role in the birther movement, which he called "racist". He suggested the media ignore Trump: "To go on and call him an idiot just emboldens him". The emails were obtained by the media as the result of a hack.[174]

Despite not running in the 2016 federal elections, Powell received three electoral votes for president from faithless electors in Washington who had pledged to vote for Clinton, coming in third overall.[175] After Barack Obama, he was the second black person to receive electoral votes in a presidential election.[176]

Views on the Trump administration[]

In an interview in October 2019, Powell warned that the GOP needed to "get a grip" and put the country before their party, standing up to president Trump rather than worrying about political fallout. He said: "When they see things that are not right, they need to say something about it because our foreign policy is in shambles right now, in my humble judgment, and I see things happening that are hard to understand".[177] On 7 June 2020, Powell announced he would be voting for former vice president Joe Biden in the 2020 United States presidential election.[178] In August, Powell delivered a speech in support of Biden's candidacy at the 2020 Democratic National Convention.[179]

In January 2021, after the Capitol building was attacked by Trump supporters, Powell told CNN's Fareed Zakaria: "I can no longer call myself a fellow Republican".[180]

Personal life and death[]

Powell married Alma Johnson on 25 August 1962. Their son, Michael Powell, was the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from 2001 to 2005. Their daughter is actress Linda Powell.[181]

As a hobby, Powell restored old Volvo and Saab automobiles.[182][183] In 2013, he faced questions about his relationship with the Romanian diplomat Corina Crețu, after a hacked AOL email account had been made public. He acknowledged a "very personal" email relationship but denied further involvement.[184] He was an Episcopalian.[185][186][187]

Special Military Funeral for Gen. (ret.) Colin Powell at Arlington National Cemetery 211105-A-IW468-015

Powell's coffin is carried by an Armed Forces body bearer team at his funeral on 5 November 2021

On 18 October 2021, Powell, who was being treated for multiple myeloma,[188] died at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center of complications from COVID-19 at the age of 84.[189] He had been vaccinated, but his myeloma compromised his immune system; he also had early-stage Parkinson's disease.[13][190] President Joe Biden and four of the five living former presidents issued statements calling Powell an American hero.[191][192]

Colin Powell gravestone (cropped)

Colin Powell gravestone at Arlington National Cemetery

Present at the funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral were President Biden and former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, along with First Lady Jill Biden and former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, and Hillary Clinton (also representing her husband, former president Bill Clinton, who was unable to attend following treatment for sepsis) as well as many other dignitaries.[193]

Powell is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Section 60, Grave 11917.[194]

Civilian awards and honors[]

Template:Infobox Coat of arms

Powell's civilian awards include two Presidential Medals of Freedom (the second with distinction), the Congressional Gold Medal, and the Ronald Reagan Freedom Award.

  • In 1988, Powell received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.[195]
  • In 1990, Powell received the U.S. Senator John Heinz Award for Greatest Public Service by an Elected or Appointed Official, an award given out annually by Jefferson Awards.[196]
  • In 1991, Powell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George H. W. Bush.[73]
  • In 1991, Powell was awarded the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP.[197]
  • In 1991, Powell was inducted into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans.[198]
  • On 23 April 1991, Powell was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal "in recognition of his exemplary performance as a military leader and advisor to the President in planning and coordinating the military response of the United States to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and the ultimate retreat and defeat of Iraqi forces and Iraqi acceptance of all United Nations Resolutions relating to Kuwait".[199]
  • On 30 September 1993, Powell was awarded his second Presidential Medal of Freedom, this time with the additional "with distinction" by President Bill Clinton.[72]
  • On 9 November 1993, Powell was awarded the second Ronald Reagan Freedom Award, by Ronald Reagan. Powell served as Reagan's National Security Advisor from 1987 to 1989.[200]
  • In 1993, Colin Powell was created an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.[201]
  • In 1998, he was awarded the Sylvanus Thayer Award by the United States Military Academy for his commitment to the ideals of "Duty, Honor, Country".[202]
  • In 1998, he was elected to the American Philosophical Society[203]
  • The 2002 Liberty Medal was awarded to Colin Powell on 4 July in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In his acceptance speech, Powell reminded Americans that "It is for America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, to help freedom ring across the globe, unto all the peoples thereof. That is our solemn obligation, and we will not fail".[204]
  • In 2003, an elementary school named after Powell was opened in Centreville, Virginia. Powell visited the school in 2013.[205]
  • In 2005, Powell received the Bishop John T. Walker Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award for his contributions to Africa.[206]
  • Powell received the 2006 AARP Andrus Award, the Association's highest honor.[207]
  • In 2005, Colin and Alma Powell were awarded the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars of the Smithsonian Institution.[208]
10.18.21ColinPowellElementaryByLuigiNovi2

Colin Powell Elementary School in Union City, New Jersey, on 18 October 2021, the day Powell died

  • Powell was a recipient of the Silver Buffalo Award, the highest adult award given by the Boy Scouts of America.[209]
  • A street in Gelnhausen, Germany, was named after him: "General-Colin-Powell-Straße".[210]
  • In 2002, scholar Molefi Kete Asante listed Colin Powell on his list of 100 Greatest Blacks in America.[211]
  • In 2009, an elementary school named for Colin Powell opened in El Paso. It is in the El Paso Independent School District, located on Fort Bliss property, and serves a portion of Fort Bliss.[212]
  • In 2009, Powell was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences[213]
  • Powell was an honorary board member of the humanitarian organization Wings of Hope[214]
  • From 2006, he was the chairman of the Board of Trustees for Eisenhower Fellowships.[215]
  • In 2006, The Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem awarded Colin Powell with the Truman Peace Prize for his efforts to conduct the "war against terrorism", through diplomatic as well as military means, and to avert regional and civil conflicts in many parts of the world.[216]
  • In September 2012, Union City, New Jersey, opened Colin Powell Elementary School, which was named after Powell, and which was dedicated on 7 February 2013, with governor Chris Christie in attendance.[217] Powell himself visited the school on 4 June 2013.[218]
  • In 2014, Colin Powell was named to the National Board of Advisors for High Point University.[219]
  • In 2024, Prince George's County Public Schools opened Colin L. Powell Academy, named after Powell, in Fort Washington, Maryland.[220]

Notes[]

  1. ↑ Despite his parents' pronunciation of his name as /ˈkɒl[unsupported input]n/ KOL-in, Powell pronounced his name /ˈkoʊl[unsupported input]n/ KOH-lin from childhood on after the World War II flyer Colin Kelly.[1] The preferred pronunciation of "Powell" rhymes with "bowel", not with "Joel".[2]

References[]

  1. ↑ "Major Player: Gen. Colin L. Powell (Ret.)". July 28, 2000. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/onpolitics/elections/gop2000guide/powellpost.htm. 
  2. ↑ Chancellor, Alexander (August 9, 1993). "You Say Tomato". p. 27. 
  3. ↑ Macias, Amanda (October 19, 2021). "Colin Powell, trailblazing soldier and statesman who made case for Iraq invasion, dies of Covid at 84". CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/18/colin-powell-former-secretary-of-state-who-made-case-for-iraq-invasion-dies-of-covid-complications-at-84.html. 
  4. ↑ "Colin Powell: Former US secretary of state dies of Covid complications" (in en-GB). BBC News. 2021-10-19. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58957273. 
  5. ↑ LaFeber 2009.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 LaFeber 2009, p. 71.
  7. ↑ "Powell resigns with three other Cabinet secretaries". https://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/11/15/powell/index.html. 
  8. ↑ "Secretary Powell's Letter of Resignation". https://2001-2009.state.gov/secretary/former/powell/remarks/38225.htm. 
  9. ↑ Richardson, Valerie (December 21, 2016). "Colin Powell places third in presidential race at Electoral College". https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/dec/21/colin-powell-places-third-presidential-race-electo/. 
  10. ↑ "LLS Statement on the Death of Former Secretary of State Colin Powell". Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. https://www.lls.org/news/lls-statement-death-former-secretary-state-colin-powell. 
  11. ↑ "Biographies of the Secretary of State:Colin Luther Powell". US Department of State, Office of the Historian. https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/people/powell-colin-luther. 
  12. ↑ Palmowski, Jan (2008). "Powell, Colin Luther". A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3d ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-929567-8. OCLC 173498636. https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780199295678.001.0001/acref-9780199295678-e-1890. Retrieved October 18, 2021. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 Schmitt, Eric (October 18, 2021). "Colin Powell, Who Shaped U.S. National Security, Dies at 84" (in en-US). The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/18/us/politics/colin-powell-dead.html. 
  14. ↑ Oster, Patrick (October 18, 2021). "Colin Powell, U.S. Army general-turned-top diplomat, dies at 84" (in en-US). The Japan Times. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/10/18/world/colin-powell-obituary/. 
  15. ↑ Branigan, Tania (May 12, 2004). "Colin Powell claims Scottish coat of arms". The Guardian. London. https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2004/may/12/usa.world. 
  16. ↑ "Colin Powell's Scottish Ancestry". May 17, 2004. http://www.eogn.com/archives/news0420.htm#ColinPowellsScottishAncestry. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Colin Powell Fast Facts". CNN. March 30, 2016. http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/20/us/colin-powell-fast-facts/. 
  18. ↑ O'Sullivan, Christopher D. (2009) (in en). Colin Powell: American Power and Intervention From Vietnam to Iraq. Rowman & Littlefield. p. ix. ISBN 978-0-7425-6535-7. https://books.google.com/books?id=IEKNwp4eHs0C. Retrieved October 18, 2021. 
  19. ↑ "Four things you didn't know about Colin Powell" (in en-US). October 18, 2021. https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2021-10-18/four-things-you-didnt-know-about-colin-powell. 
  20. ↑ "Former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell and Mario Cuomo, former governor of New York State, each a former Shabbos goy, both share fond recollections of their youth, when they were uniquely qualified to lend a Jewish neighbor a hand." Fertig, Avi. "Glatt Kosher Adventure To The Land Down Under", The Jewish Press, November 21, 2007.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Colin Powell Fast Facts". CNN. April 2, 2017. https://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/20/us/colin-powell-fast-facts/. "Education: City College of New York, B.S. in geology, 1958; George Washington University, M.B.A., 1971; National War College, 1976" 
  22. ↑ "About Gen. Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.)". The Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership, The City College of New York. July 2, 2015. https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/colinpowellschool/powellbio. "He attended New York City public schools and the City College of New York. At the behest of his father, he began his college education as a civil engineering major but by his own admission he didn't earn high grades. He quickly switched his major to geology where he performed better but was still a C average student ." 
  23. ↑ Schwab, Nikki (May 30, 2012). "Colin Powell: bad student". http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/colin-powell-bad-student/article/670496. ""My cousins became lawyers and doctors and judges and I just sort of hung around," he recalled. "I had a straight C average all the way through high school and the City College of New York – I'm not sure how I got in."" 
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 "Honoring General Colin Powell" (in en). https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/honoring-general-colin-powell. 
  25. ↑ "Colin L. Powell | GW's Bicentennial Celebration | The George Washington University". https://bicentennial.gwu.edu/colin-l-powell. 
  26. ↑ "Colin (Luther) Powell Biography (1937– )". The Biography Channel. A&E Television Networks. http://www.biography.com/search/article.do?id=9445708&page=print. 
  27. ↑ "'It Worked For Me': Life Lessons From Colin Powell". NPR. May 22, 2012. https://www.npr.org/2012/05/22/153296714/it-worked-for-me-life-lessons-from-colin-powell. 
  28. ↑ "Colin Powell Biography and Interview". American Academy of Achievement. https://www.achievement.org/achiever/general-colin-l-powell/#interview. 
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 29.4 29.5 29.6 29.7 Powell, Colin L.; Persico, Joseph E. (1995). My American Journey. Random House. ISBN 978-0307763686. OCLC 7059263772. https://archive.org/details/myamericanjourne00powerich. :27–28
  30. ↑ "Secretary of State Colin L. Powell (biography)". The White House. April 29, 2003. https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/government/powell-bio.html. 
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "Obituary: Colin Powell". BBC News. October 18, 2021. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-33957894. 
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 "Colin Powell". CNN. 1996. http://cgi.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1996/conventions/san.diego/players/powell.bio/. 
  33. ↑ "General Colin Luther Powell". Ft. Belvoir, VA: The Campaign for the National Museum of the United States Army. 2022. https://armyhistory.org/general-colin-luther-powell/. 
  34. ↑ Kearny, Cresson H. (1996). Jungle Snafus...And Remedies. Cave Junction, Oregon: Oregon Institute of Science & Medicine. p. 179. ISBN 978-1-884067-10-5. OCLC 41447083. 
  35. ↑ Steins 2003, pp. 25–26.
  36. ↑ Finlayson, Reggie (2003). Colin Powell. Biography (A & E). Twenty-First Century Books. p. 55. ISBN 978-0822549666. https://books.google.com/books?id=zaYOC27mmhAC&q=Charles+M.+Gettys+colin+powell&pg=PA55. Retrieved December 7, 2012. 
  37. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named CAPL
  38. ↑ DeYoung, Karen (2006) (in en). Soldier: The Life of Colin Powell. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. ISBN 978-0-307-26593-7. https://books.google.com/books?id=7baTaod_kEcC&dq=%22In%20direct%20refutation%20of%20this%20portrayal%20is%20the%20fact%20that%20relations%20between%22&pg=PT92. 
  39. ↑ "Colin Powell: From Vietnam vet to secretary of state". BBC News. October 18, 2021. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-33957894. 
  40. ↑ "Interview on CNN's Larry King Live". New York: US Department of State. May 4, 2004. https://2001-2009.state.gov/secretary/former/powell/remarks/32160.htm. 
  41. ↑ Brown, Warren; Wagner, Heather Lehr (2009). Colin Powell: Soldier and Statesman. Infobase Publishing. pp. 41, 43. 
  42. ↑ Bolger, Daniel P. (2017). Our Year of War: Two Brothers, Vietnam, and a Nation Divided. Boston, MA: Da Capo Press. p. 338. ISBN 978-0-3069-0324-3. https://books.google.com/books?id=vwjhDgAAQBAJ&pg=PT338. 
  43. ↑ Mann, James (2004) (in en-US). Rise of the Vulcans: The History of Bush's War Cabinet. Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0143034896. https://books.google.com/books?id=LhXlFku4bhoC&pg=PT136. 
  44. ↑ Kukielski, Philip (2019). The U.S. Invasion of Grenada : legacy of a flawed victory. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Co.. pp. 209–10, 218. ISBN 978-1-4766-7879-5. OCLC 1123182247. 
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 45.3 Graham, Bradley (October 18, 2021). "Colin L. Powell, former secretary of state and military leader, dies at 84" (in en-US). ISSN 0190-8286. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/colin-powell-dead/2021/10/18/fdc71fde-c5db-11df-94e1-c5afa35a9e59_story.html. 
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 46.2 Walsh, Lawrence E. (1997). Firewall: The Iran–Contra Conspiracy and Cover-up. New York: Norton & Company. ISBN 978-0-3933-1860-9. 
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 Walsh, Lawrence (August 4, 1993). Final Report of the Independent Counsel for Iran/Contra Matters (Report). 1. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office. pp. xx, 70, 92, 341, 406–11, 414, 416–17, 421, 423, 427–28, 430–32, 434, 436, 438–40. https://archive.org/details/WalshReport. Retrieved October 19, 2021. 
  48. ↑ "Arms, Hostages and Contras: How a Secret Foreign Policy Unraveled". The New York Times. November 19, 1987. sec. A. p. 12. https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/19/world/iran-contra-report-arms-hostages-contras-secret-foreign-policy-unraveled.html. 
  49. ↑ Shireen T. Hunter (Spring 1987). "After the Ayatollah". pp. 77–97. Digital object identifier:10.2307/1148665. ISSN 0015-7228. JSTOR 1148665. 
  50. ↑ Cave, George (September 8, 1994). "Why Secret 1986 U.S.–Iran 'Arms for Hostages' Negotiations Failed". Washington Report on Middle Eastern Affairs. https://www.wrmea.org/1994-september-october/why-secret-1986-us-iran-arms-for-hostages-negotiations-failed.html. 
  51. ↑ Brinley, Joel (June 17, 1992). "Weinberger Faces 5 Counts In Iran-Contra Indictment". https://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/17/us/weinberger-faces-5-counts-in-iran-contra-indictment.html. 
  52. ↑ 52.0 52.1 Walsh, Lawrence (August 4, 1993). Final Report of the Independent Counsel for Iran/Contra Matters (Report). 2. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office. https://archive.org/details/WalshReport/Walsh%20Report%20volume%202%20Indictments%2C%20Plea%20Agreements%2C%20Interim%20Reports%20to%20the%20Congress%2C%20and%20Administrative%20Matters/mode/2up. Retrieved October 19, 2021. 
  53. ↑ Bamford, James (January 18, 1987). "Carlucci and the N.S.C." (in en-US). The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. https://www.nytimes.com/1987/01/18/magazine/carlucci-and-the-nsc.html. 
  54. ↑ Barno, David; Bensahel, Nora (February 28, 2017). "An Active-Duty National Security Advisor: Myths and Concerns" (in en-US). https://warontherocks.com/2017/02/an-active-duty-national-security-advisor-myths-and-concerns/. 
  55. ↑ "Online NewsHour: Colin Powell". PBS. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/inauguration/transition/powell.html. 
  56. ↑ "The 14 Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff". Joint History Office, US Department of Defense. August 10, 1999. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=43048. 
  57. ↑ Steins 2003, p. 95.
  58. ↑ DeYoung 2006a, p. 210.
  59. ↑ O'Sullivan 2010, p. 100.
  60. ↑ "Reluctant warrior" (in en). September 30, 2001. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/sep/30/usa.afghanistan. 
  61. ↑ 61.0 61.1 Perry, Mark (2017). The Pentagon's wars: the military's undeclared war against America's presidents. New York. ISBN 978-0-465-07971-1. OCLC 972386823. 
  62. ↑ Bowden, Mark (1999). Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press. p. 340. ISBN 0-87113-738-0. OCLC 40135273. 
  63. ↑ 63.0 63.1 "Mission to Haiti: Diplomacy – On the Brink of War, a Tense Battle of Wills". The New York Times. September 20, 1994. p. A1. https://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/20/world/mission-to-haiti-diplomacy-on-the-brink-of-war-a-tense-battle-of-wills.html. 
  64. ↑ Abrams, Jim (March 21, 1991). "Schwarzkopf, Powell Up For Awards, But Fifth Star Not Given Lightly". Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/ca238a618f3375dd323c17701712127e. 
  65. ↑ "U.S. Sen. Kasten Pushing Effort To Award Powell With Historic Fifth Star". March 1991. ISSN 0021-5996. https://books.google.com/books?id=9LoDAAAAMBAJ&q=%22colin+powell%22+%22fifth+star%22&pg=PA8. "...there is a movement afoot in the U.S. Senate to award an historic fifth star to the nation's first Black Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Colin L. Powell for his military proficiency." 
  66. ↑ Italia, Bob (1991). Armed Forces: War in the Gulf. Abdo & Daughters. pp. 44–46. ISBN 978-1-56239-026-6. https://books.google.com/books?id=L-suZ2qETI4C&q=star. Retrieved February 21, 2011. "Others want to make him a five-star general. [...] Congress is talking about giving him a fifth silver star, which is very rare." 
  67. ↑ Stephanopoulos, George (1999). All Too Human: A Political Education. Thorndike Press. pp. 330–31. ISBN 978-0-7862-2016-8. https://books.google.com/books?id=YsHmpqx0Qb0C&q=%22fifth+star%22. Retrieved February 21, 2011. "Mack asked me to secretly research the procedure for awarding a fifth star to a general. [...] If Powell did challenge Clinton, the fifth star would forestall criticism of the general's military record." 
  68. ↑ Hamilton, Nigel (2007). Bill Clinton: Mastering the Presidency. PublicAffairs. pp. 190, 399. ISBN 978-1-58648-516-0. https://books.google.com/books?id=HiV3AAAAMAAJ&q=%22colin+powell%22+%22fifth+star%22. Retrieved February 21, 2011. "Moreover, for the very reason he admired Colin Powell as the most distinguished living black American, Clinton also feared the general as a potential rival. [...] Bill Clinton had denied Powell his rightful fifth star..." 
  69. ↑ Halberstam, David (2001). War in a Time of Peace: Bush, Clinton, and the Generals. Scribner. p. 190. ISBN 978-0-7432-0212-1. https://books.google.com/books?id=S8l4AAAAMAAJ&q=%22fifth+star%22. Retrieved February 22, 2011. "They checked it out and found that the last general to get a fifth star was Omar Bradley forty-three years earlier. Powell, they decided, was not Bradley. Besides, as George Stephanopoulos noted, if they gave him one more star, it might help him one day politically." 
  70. ↑ 70.00 70.01 70.02 70.03 70.04 70.05 70.06 70.07 70.08 70.09 70.10 70.11 "US Army green service uniform jacket and service medals worn by Colin L. Powell". https://nmaahc.si.edu/object/nmaahc_2016.14.1a-v?destination=edan-search/collection_search%3Fedan_q%3D%252A%253A%252A%26edan_fq%255B0%255D%3Dname%253A%2522Powell%252C%2520Colin%2520L.%2522. 
  71. ↑ 71.0 71.1 71.2 71.3 71.4 71.5 71.6 71.7 "Colin Luther Powell". Hall of Valor. https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/100351. 
  72. ↑ 72.0 72.1 Clinton, W. J. (September 30, 1993). "Remarks on the Retirement of General Colin Powell in Arlington, Virginia". University of California, Santa Barbara: The American Presidency Project. http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=47138. "In recognition of your legacy and service, of your courage and accomplishment, today, General Powell, I was honored to present you with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, with distinction. I want to tell all those here in attendance that this was the second Medal of Freedom you have received, the first from President Bush in 1991. And today, you became only the second American citizen in the history of the Republic to be the recipient of two Medals of Freedom." 
  73. ↑ 73.0 73.1 Rodriguez, Jeremiah (October 18, 2021). "Photos: Key moments in former U.S. secretary of state Colin Powell's career" (in en). CTVNews. https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/photos-key-moments-in-former-us-secretary-of-state-colin-powells-career/. 
  74. ↑ 74.0 74.1 "Secretary of State Colin L. Powell". https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/government/powell-bio.html. 
  75. ↑ "Gerald R. Ford Medal". November 11, 2014. https://www.geraldrfordfoundation.org/medal-for-distinguished-public-service//. 
  76. ↑ "Remarks With Bulgarian President Georgi Purvanov At Award Ceremony for the Stara Planina First Order Medal". Presidential Palace, Coat of Arms Hall, Sofia, Bulgaria: US Department of State. December 7, 2004. http://2001-2009.state.gov/secretary/former/powell/remarks/39513.htm. 
  77. ↑ "Parvanov-Powell". President of the Republic of Bulgaria. December 7, 2004. http://www.president.bg/en/showphoto.php?id=398. "President Georgi Parvanov awarded US Secretary of State Colin Powell with the highest Bulgarian order "Stara Planina" for his extraordinary services to the advancement of Bulgarian-American relations and in connection with the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and the United States." 
  78. ↑ Schram, Martin (January 21, 1995). "Don't Count Out Colin Powell". The Seattle Times. https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19920121/1471329/dont-count-out-colin-powell. 
  79. ↑ Van Dyk, Ted (September 6, 1990). "Will Powell Run With Bush in '92?". The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/06/opinion/will-powell-run-with-bush-in-92.html. 
  80. ↑ Lusane, Clarence (2006). Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice: Foreign Policy, Race and the New American Century. Westport, CT: Praeger, ISBN 978-0275983093, OCLC 238778470, p. 46.
  81. ↑ O'Reilly, Bill (January 29, 2013). "Bill O'Reilly: A 'No Spin' interview with Colin Powell". Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/transcript/bill-oreilly-a-no-spin-interview-with-colin-powell/. 
  82. ↑ Apple, R. W. (October 28, 1995). "Life in Iowa May Not Have Changed, But the Political Turf Is Another Story". The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/28/us/life-in-iowa-may-not-have-changed-but-the-political-turf-is-anotherstory.html. 
  83. ↑ Berke, Richard L. (October 19, 1995). "New Hampshire Poll Finds Powell With an Edge". The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/19/us/new-hampshire-poll-finds-powell-with-an-edge.html. 
  84. ↑ Clines, Francis X. (November 9, 1995). "The Powell Decision: The Announcement". The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/09/us/powell-decision-announcement-powell-rules-96-race-cites-concerns-for-family-his.html. 
  85. ↑ Plissner, Martin (February 7, 2007). "Ready for Obama Already". The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/07/opinion/07plissner.html. 
  86. ↑ "NH US Vice President – R Primary Race". Our Campaigns. February 20, 1996. http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=330851. 
  87. ↑ "Colin L. Powell Center for Public Policy". http://www1.ccny.cuny.edu/ci/powell/about/index.cfm. 
  88. ↑ "How Mccain Does It". March 6, 2000. http://www.newsweek.com/how-mccain-does-it-156687?tid=relatedcl. 
  89. ↑ Denton, Robert E. Jr. (2002) (in en). The 2000 Presidential Campaign: A Communication Perspective. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 109. ISBN 978-0-275-97107-6. https://books.google.com/books?id=rku89El_5sQC. Retrieved October 19, 2021. 
  90. ↑ O'Sullivan 2010, p. xi.
  91. ↑ "Colin Powell: Former US secretary of state dies of Covid complications" (in en-GB). BBC News. October 19, 2021. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58957273. 
  92. ↑ Wheeler, Russell (October 21, 2020). "Can the Electoral College be subverted by 'faithless electors'?" (in en-US). https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2020/10/21/can-the-electoral-college-be-subverted-by-faithless-electors/. 
  93. ↑ 93.0 93.1 Clark, Tony (December 16, 2000). "Bush names Powell as choice for U.S. secretary of state". CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/12/16/bush.powell/index.html. 
  94. ↑ Vulliamy, Ed (December 17, 2000). "Bush chooses Powell". https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/dec/17/usa.uselections20001. 
  95. ↑ "PN100 – Colin Luther Powell – Department of State, 107th Congress (2001–2002)" (in en-US). January 20, 2001. https://www.congress.gov/nomination/107th-congress/100. 
  96. ↑ "Powell ceremoniously sworn in as secretary of state". CNN. January 26, 2001. https://edition.cnn.com/2001/ALLPOLITICS/stories/01/26/bush.powell/index.html. 
  97. ↑ "Secretary of State Swearing-In Ceremony" (in en-US). The White House, Washington, D. C.. January 26, 2001. https://www.c-span.org/video/?162185-1/secretary-state-swearing-ceremony. 
  98. ↑ Kessler, Glenn (July 14, 2004). "Powell Flies in the Face of Tradition; The Secretary of State Is Least Traveled in 30 Years". p. A01. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A48010-2004Jul13.html. 
  99. ↑ Kessler, Glenn (July 14, 2004). "Colin Powell no globe-trotter". NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna5433036. 
  100. ↑ Steins 2003, p. 116.
  101. ↑ DeYoung 2006a, pp. 338–339.
  102. ↑ "Secretary of State Colin Powell and 9/11 – Association for Diplomatic Studies & Training". https://adst.org/2021/11/secretary-of-state-colin-powell-and-9-11/. 
  103. ↑ "Iraq had no WMD – inspectors". The Guardian. October 6, 2004. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/oct/06/usa.iraq1. 
  104. ↑ Moens, Alexander (2017). The Foreign Policy of George W. Bush Values, Strategy, and Loyalty. Taylor & Francis. 
  105. ↑ Wood, B. Dan (2012) (in en). Presidential Saber Rattling: Causes and Consequences. Cambridge University Press. p. 141. Digital object identifier:10.1017/CBO9781139108720. ISBN 978-1-139-53669-1. https://books.google.com/books?id=cPsfAwAAQBAJ. Retrieved October 19, 2021. 
  106. ↑ DeYoung 2006a, p. 401.
  107. ↑ Warrick, Joby (April 12, 2006). "Lacking Biolabs, Trailers Carried Case for War; Administration Pushed Notion of Banned Iraqi Weapons Despite Evidence to Contrary". p. A01. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/11/AR2006041101888.html?sub=AR. 
  108. ↑ Borger, Julian (October 18, 2021). "Colin Powell's UN speech: a decisive moment in undermining US credibility" (in en). The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/oct/18/colin-powell-un-security-council-iraq. 
  109. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named UNSC_Powell_20030205
  110. ↑ "Powell regrets Iraq failings" (in en). Al Jazeera. September 11, 2011. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2011/9/11/colin-powell-regrets-iraq-war-intelligence. 
  111. ↑ Breslow, Jason M. (May 17, 2016). "Colin Powell: U.N. Speech 'Was a Great Intelligence Failure'" (in en-US). https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/colin-powell-u-n-speech-was-a-great-intelligence-failure/. 
  112. ↑ Lawless, Jill (February 7, 2003). "U.S. Scholar Uncredited in Iraq Report". http://www.campus-watch.org/article/id/529. 
  113. ↑ "UK accused of lifting dossier text". CNN. February 7, 2003. http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/02/07/sprj.irq.uk.dossier/index.html. 
  114. ↑ Miller, Greg (July 15, 2004). "Flaws Cited in Powell's U.N. Speech on Iraq". Los Angeles Times. http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0715-05.htm. 
  115. ↑ 115.0 115.1 DeYoung, Karen (October 1, 2006). "Falling on His Sword: Colin Powell's most significant moment turned out to be his lowest". https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/27/AR2006092700106.html. 
  116. ↑ "Colin Powell on Iraq, Race, and Hurricane Relief". ABC News: 20/20. September 8, 2005. https://abcnews.go.com/2020/Politics/story?id=1105979&page=1. 
  117. ↑ Brancaccio, David (February 3, 2006). "Iraq Pre-War Intelligence". NOW. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/now/politics/wilkerson.html. 
  118. ↑ DeYoung 2006a, pp. 344–45.
  119. ↑ DeYoung 2006a, p. 356.
  120. ↑ DeYoung 2006a, p. 388.
  121. ↑ Rutten, Tim (October 9, 2006). "Powell biography involves a game of connect the blots". Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-oct-09-et-book9-story.html. 
  122. ↑ Forward Staff (February 2, 2007). "Groups Fear Public Backlash Over Iran". Forward. https://forward.com/news/10004/groups-fear-public-backlash-over-iran/. 
  123. ↑ Pincus, Walter (February 14, 2004). "Support for Intelligence Plan". https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A18890-2004Sep13.html. 
  124. ↑ Pincus, Walter (September 14, 2004). "Support for Intelligence Plan". https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A18890-2004Sep13.html. 
  125. ↑ "Remarks at the 2003 Groundhog Job Shadow Day Program, Secretary Colin L. Powell, Remarks and question and answer session with students, Washington, DC, January 31, 2003, excerpt on 1973 Chile coup, Federation of American Scientists". Fas.org. https://fas.org/irp/news/2003/02/dos022003.html. 
  126. ↑ "Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, Interview On Black Entertainment Television's Youth Town Hall, February 20, 2003, excerpt on 1973 U.S. covert action in Chile, Federation of American Scientists". Fas.org. https://fas.org/irp/news/2003/02/dos022003.html. 
  127. ↑ 127.0 127.1 127.2 Zhao, Suisheng (2023). The Dragon Roars Back: Transformational Leaders and Dynamics of Chinese Foreign Policy. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press. pp. 64. Digital object identifier:10.1515/9781503634152. ISBN 978-1-5036-3415-2. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/9781503634152. 
  128. ↑ Hamilton, Rebecca (August 17, 2011). "Inside Colin Powell's Decision to Declare Genocide in Darfur" (in en-US). https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2011/08/inside-colin-powells-decision-to-declare-genocide-in-darfur/243560/. 
  129. ↑ "Bush Nominates Rice to Be Secretary of State". ABC News. January 7, 2006. https://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=254647. 
  130. ↑ Sciolino, Elaine (November 18, 2004). "Exiles Add to Claims on Iran Nuclear Arms". The New York Times. http://www.nci.org/04nci/11/pbs/ExilesAdd.htm. 
  131. ↑ Matthews 2019, pp. 321, 379–85.
  132. ↑ "Powell Playing Quiet Role in Bolton Battle". April 22, 2005. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A7420-2005Apr21.html. 
  133. ↑ Borger, Julian (April 23, 2005). "Powell's remarks harm Bolton's chances of UN job". The Guardian. London. https://www.theguardian.com/usa/story/0,12271,1468438,00.html. 
  134. ↑ "Bush appoints Bolton as U.N. ambassador". NBC News. July 29, 2005. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna8758621. 
  135. ↑ Blumenthal, Sidney (April 28, 2005). "The good soldier's revenge". The Guardian. London. https://www.theguardian.com/comment/story/0,3604,1471879,00.html. 
  136. ↑ "Powell criticises storm response". BBC News. September 9, 2005. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4229238.stm. 
  137. ↑ "Senators defy Bush on tribunals". BBC News. September 15, 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/5347564.stm. 
  138. ↑ "Board of Directors". Council on Foreign Relations. http://www.cfr.org/about/people/board_of_directors.html. 
  139. ↑ "Who Mentored Colin Powell?". President and Fellows of Harvard College. 2008. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/chc/wmy2008/Celebrities/colin_powell.html. 
  140. ↑ "Al Gore, Colin Powell, Caroline Kennedy in Obama's Administration? – Washington Whispers". usnews.com. November 11, 2008. https://www.usnews.com/blogs/washington-whispers/2008/11/11/al-gore-colin-powell-caroline-kennedy-in-obamas-administration.html. 
  141. ↑ "Powell advised against Afghan surge". Politico. September 27, 2009. https://www.politico.com/blogs/laurarozen/0909/Powell_advised_against_Afghan_surge.html. 
  142. ↑ Ingrid Lunden (March 14, 2014). "General Colin Powell Joins Salesforce Board Of Directors, As CRM Giant Zeros In On Public Sector". TechCrunch. AOL. https://techcrunch.com/2014/03/14/general-colin-powell-joins-salesforce-board-of-directors-as-crm-giant-zeros-in-on-govt-deals/. 
  143. ↑ "Why Colin Powell says he no longer considers himself a Republican" (CNN Video). January 10, 2021. https://www.cnn.com/videos/tv/2021/01/10/exp-gps-0110-powell-on-capitol-attack.cnn. 
  144. ↑ Porter, Tom. "Colin Powell in his final interview accused Trump of attempting to 'overturn the government' by inciting January 6 riot" (in en-US). https://www.businessinsider.com/colin-powell-last-interview-bashed-trump-over-capitol-riot-2021-10. 
  145. ↑ Rozell, Mark J.; Wilcox, Clyde (1997) (in en). God at the Grass Roots, 1996: The Christian Right in the American Elections. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 258. ISBN 978-0-8476-8611-7. https://books.google.com/books?id=ExrbUtDV1zYC. Retrieved October 19, 2021. 
  146. ↑ Siddiqui, Sabrina (January 13, 2013). "Colin Powell Shows Support For Gun Control Measures, Including Assault Weapons Ban" (in en). https://www.huffpost.com/entry/colin-powell-gun-control_n_2467890. 
  147. ↑ O'Sullivan 2009, p. 106.
  148. ↑ DeYoung, Karen (February 3, 2010). "Colin Powell shifts stance on 'don't ask, don't tell' policy". https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/03/AR2010020302292.html. 
  149. ↑ Blumenthal, Sidney (November 18, 2004). "Colin and the crazies". The Guardian. London. https://www.theguardian.com/usa/story/0,12271,1353796,00.html. 
  150. ↑ "Sen. McCain Releases Letter from Gen. Colin Powell". September 14, 2006. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/graphic/2006/09/14/GR2006091400728.html. 
  151. ↑ See Official website: Aspen Ideas Festival Archived July 12, 2007, at the Wayback Machine.
  152. ↑ "Conversation with Colin Powell". Aspen Ideas Festival. July 2007. http://www.aifestival.org/library/transcript/Powell-Lehrer_transcript.pdf. 
  153. ↑ 153.0 153.1 "Powell: Support for Obama doesn't mean Iraq war wrong". CNN. October 19, 2008. http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/19/powell.transcript/. 
  154. ↑ Klatell, James M. (December 17, 2006). "Powell: We Are Losing In Iraq". CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/powell-we-are-losing-in-iraq/. 
  155. ↑ "Powell says Iraq surge should have come earlier". The Seattle Times. July 5, 2009. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2009420450_apuspowell.html. 
  156. ↑ Henry, Ed (August 9, 2007). "Powell donates to McCain". CNN. http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/08/09/powell-donates-to-mccain/. 
  157. ↑ Holland, Steve (March 5, 2008). "McCain now has to pick a vice presidential nominee". The Boston Globe. http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/03/05/mccain_now_has_to_pick_a_vice_presidential_nominee/. 
  158. ↑ 158.0 158.1 "Powell endorses Obama for president; Republican ex-Secretary of State calls Democrat 'transformational figure'". NBC News. October 19, 2008. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna27265369. 
  159. ↑ 159.0 159.1 "Meet the Press' transcript for October 19, 2008". NBC News. October 19, 2008. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna27266223. 
  160. ↑ Ohlemacher, Stephen (October 20, 2008). "Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama for president". USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/news/topstories/2008-10-19-1007802625_x.htm. 
  161. ↑ "Powell on Rush Limbaugh". CNN. July 16, 2010. http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2008/12/12/gps.powell.limbaugh.cnn. 
  162. ↑ "Colin Powell: Republican Party Needs Me More Than The Democratic Party Needs Me". February 7, 2014. http://lonelyconservative.com/2014/02/colin-powell-republican-party-needs-me-more-than-the-democratic-party-needs-me/. 
  163. ↑ Ward, Jon (July 3, 2009). "Powell airs doubts on Obama agenda". The Washington Times. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/03/powell-airs-doubts-on-obama-agenda/. 
  164. ↑ Budoff Brown, Carrie (September 19, 2010). "Colin Powell critical of President Obama". Politico. https://www.politico.com/story/2010/09/powell-critical-of-obama-042381. 
  165. ↑ "Video". CNN. http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2011/11/11/bts-piers-colin-powell-intv.cnn?iref=allsearch. 
  166. ↑ "Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama for president". CBS News. October 25, 2012. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/colin-powell-endorses-barack-obama-for-president/. 
  167. ↑ Falcone, Michael (January 21, 2013). "Colin Powell Slams 'Idiot Presentations' by Some Republicans, Urges GOP Leaders to 'Speak Out'". ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2013/01/colin-powell-slams-idiot-presentations-by-some-republicans-urges-gop-leaders-to-speak-out-2/. 
  168. ↑ Stableford, Dylan (October 1, 2015). "Colin Powell slams Donald Trump's immigration plan". Yahoo! News. https://www.yahoo.com/news/colin-powell-slams-donald-trumps-immigration-plan-163454530.html. 
  169. ↑ Reilly, Mollie (March 7, 2016). "Colin Powell: The GOP Race Has 'Gone Into The Mud'". HuffPost. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/colin-powell-gop-race_us_56dda980e4b0000de405301a. 
  170. ↑ "Colin Powell Says Hillary Clinton's 'People Have Been Trying to Pin' Email Scandal on Him". People. August 21, 2016. http://www.people.com/article/colin-powell-hillary-clinton-pinning-email-scandal-on-him. 
  171. ↑ Cummings, William (September 13, 2016). "Colin Powell calls Trump 'national disgrace' in hacked emails". https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2016/09/13/colin-powell-hacked-emails/90341788/. 
  172. ↑ Blumenthal, Paul (September 14, 2016). "Colin Powell Attacked Hillary Clinton's 'Hubris' In Leaked Emails". http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/colin-powell-hillary-clinton_us_57d96524e4b09d7a6880bf1c. 
  173. ↑ Blake, Aaron (November 7, 2016). "78 Republican politicians, donors and officials who are supporting Hillary Clinton". https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/06/30/heres-the-growing-list-of-big-name-republicans-supporting-hillary-clinton/. 
  174. ↑ Blake, Aaron (September 14, 2016). "Here are the juiciest Colin Powell comments about Trump and Clinton from his hacked emails". https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/09/14/here-are-the-juiciest-colin-powell-comments-about-trump-and-clinton-from-his-leaked-emails/. 
  175. ↑ Brunner, Jim (December 19, 2016). "Four Washington state electors break ranks and don't vote for Clinton". The Seattle Times. http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/four-washington-electors-break-ranks-and-dont-vote-for-clinton/. 
  176. ↑ "Electoral College Results" (in en). November 12, 2019. https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/results. 
  177. ↑ Russo, Amy (October 6, 2019). "Colin Powell: Republicans Terrified Of Speaking Out Need To 'Get A Grip'". Yahoo! News. https://www.yahoo.com/news/colin-powell-republicans-terrified-of-speaking-out-need-to-get-a-grip-195747765.html. 
  178. ↑ Cole, Devan (June 7, 2020). "Colin Powell says he will vote for Joe Biden for president". CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/07/politics/colin-powell-biden-trump-2020-cnntv/index.html. 
  179. ↑ Sullivan, Kate (August 19, 2020). "Colin Powell touts Biden's character at DNC: 'We need to restore those values to the White House'". CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/18/politics/colin-powell-biden-convention/index.html. 
  180. ↑ Pitofsky, Marina (January 10, 2021). "Colin Powell: 'I can no longer call myself a fellow Republican'". The Hill. https://thehill.com/homenews/news/533575-colin-powell-i-can-no-longer-call-myself-a-fellow-republican. 
  181. ↑ Javaid, Maham (July 29, 2024). "Alma Powell, civic leader and widow of Colin Powell, dies at 86". https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2024/07/29/alma-powell-death/. Retrieved July 29, 2024. 
  182. ↑ Powell, Colin (October 17, 2005). Interview with Larry King. "Interview transcript". Larry King Live (CNN). http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0510/17/lkl.01.html. 
  183. ↑ Powell, Colin (August 2, 2004). Interview with P. J. O'Rourke. "A Conversation with Colin Powell". The Atlantic (Washington, D.C.). https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2004/09/a-conversation-with-colin-powell/303436/. 
  184. ↑ "Colin Powell insists 'there was no affair then and there is not one now' with diplomat". New York. 2013-08-02. https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/colin-powell-no-affair-not-article-1.1415208. 
  185. ↑ "Former Secretary of State Colin Powell Dies of COVID Complications" (in en). October 18, 2021. https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/politics/2021/october/former-secretary-of-state-colin-powell-dies-of-covid-complications. 
  186. ↑ Board, Daily News Editorial (October 18, 2021). "Son of NYC: Colin Powell's legacy of integrity". New York. https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-edit-colin-powell-20211018-4jt4hyrxwbaphlps6eojogfiky-story.html. 
  187. ↑ "Statement from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on the passing of Gen. Colin Powell, former secretary of state" (in en-US). October 18, 2021. https://www.episcopalchurch.org/publicaffairs/statement-from-presiding-bishop-michael-curry-on-the-passing-of-gen-colin-powell-former-secretary-of-state/. 
  188. ↑ Macias, Amanda (October 18, 2021). "Colin Powell, former secretary of State who made case for Iraq invasion, dies of Covid complications at 84" (in en). CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/18/colin-powell-former-secretary-of-state-who-made-case-for-iraq-invasion-dies-of-covid-complications-at-84.html. 
  189. ↑ Page, Susan (October 18, 2021). "Colin Powell, Former US Secretary of State, dies at 84". USA Today. https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/10/18/how-colin-powell-went-bronx-dc-among-most-admired-americans/8505546002/. 
  190. ↑ Dunham, Will; Mohammed, Arshad (October 19, 2021). "Colin Powell, top U.S. soldier and diplomat, dies of COVID-19 complications" (in en). Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/ex-joint-chiefs-staff-powell-dies-covid-complications-facebook-post-2021-10-18/. 
  191. ↑ Garrison, Joey (October 18, 2021). "'Country before self ... before all else': US presidents remember Colin Powell as American hero". https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/10/18/colin-powell-remembered-biden-former-presidents/8505549002/. 
  192. ↑ Benen, Steve (October 19, 2021). "Trump admonishes Colin Powell the day after his death" (in en). MSNBC. https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/trump-admonishes-colin-powell-day-after-his-death-n1281919. 
  193. ↑ Naylor, Brian (November 5, 2021). "Colin Powell is remembered as a down-to-earth statesman and leader at his funeral". NPR. https://www.npr.org/2021/11/05/1052482356/watch-colin-powells-funeral-is-held-at-washington-national-cathedral. 
  194. ↑ "General Colin Powell (1937–2021)". Arlington National Cemetery. https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Notable-Graves/African-Americans/Colin-Powell. 
  195. ↑ "Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement". American Academy of Achievement. https://achievement.org/our-history/golden-plate-awards/#public-service. 
  196. ↑ National Winners | public service awards Archived November 24, 2010, at the Wayback Machine.. Jefferson Awards.org. Retrieved August 17, 2013.
  197. ↑ "Spingarn Medal Winners: 1915 to Today". NAACP. http://www.naacp.org/pages/spingarn-medal-winners. 
  198. ↑ "Colin L. Powell". The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. https://horatioalger.org/members/member-detail/colin-l-powell. 
  199. ↑ "Public Law 102-33 – Apr. 23, 1991". https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-105/pdf/STATUTE-105-Pg177.pdf. 
  200. ↑ "The Ronald Reagan Freedom Award". Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Library. http://www.reaganfoundation.org/programs/cpa/awards.asp. 
  201. ↑ Oladipo, Gloria (October 18, 2021). "Colin Powell: key facts from his life" (in en). The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/oct/18/colin-powell-key-facts. 
  202. ↑ Hassler, Becky (September 15, 1998). "1998 Sylvanus Thayer AWard". West Point Association of Graduates. https://www.westpointaog.org/page.aspx?pid=494. 
  203. ↑ "APS Member History". https://search.amphilsoc.org/memhist/search?creator=Colin+L.+Powell&title=&subject=&subdiv=&mem=&year=&year-max=&dead=&keyword=&smode=advanced. 
  204. ↑ Powell, Colin (July 4, 2002). "2002 Liberty Medal Acceptance Speech". Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: National Constitution Center. http://www.constitutioncenter.org/libertymedal/recipient_2002_speech.html. 
  205. ↑ Graf, Heather; Domingo, Ido (19 October 2021). "Fairfax County's Colin L. Powell Elementary School honors its namesake". https://wjla.com/news/local/fairfax-county-centerville-elementary-school-honors-former-secretary-of-state-colin-powell. 
  206. ↑ "Africare to Honor General Colin Powell at 2005 Africare Bishop John T. Walker Memorial Dinner - CSPAN To Broadcast" (in en). October 4, 2005. https://allafrica.com/stories/200510040022.html. 
  207. ↑ Richissin, Todd (May 2, 2006). "AARP honors Colin Powell with Andrus Award" (in en-US). The Baltimore Sun. https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2006-05-02-0605020355-story.html. 
  208. ↑ "Statement from Ambassador Mark Green on the Passing of General Colin L. Powell" (in en). Wilson Center. October 18, 2021. https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/statement-ambassador-mark-green-passing-general-colin-l-powell. 
  209. ↑ "List of Silver Buffalo recipients". August 30, 2016. https://scoutingmagazine.org/silverbuffalo/. 
  210. ↑ "GEN Colin Powell". March 8, 2016. http://www.1-33rdar.org/genpowell.htm. 
  211. ↑ Asante, Molefi Kete (2002). 100 Greatest African Americans: A Biographical Encyclopedia. Amherst, New York. Prometheus Books. ISBN 1-57392-963-8.
  212. ↑ According to the Fort Bliss Bugle, as of October 24, 2013, nine schools have been named for Colin Powell.
  213. ↑ "Colin Luther Powell" (in en). https://www.amacad.org/person/colin-luther-powell. 
  214. ↑ ".: The Official Wings Of Hope Homepage :.". Wings-of-hope.org. http://wings-of-hope.org. 
  215. ↑ "efworld". http://www.efworld.org/about/eisenhower_fellowships_board.php. 
  216. ↑ "Powell: Friendship with Israel means friendship with Arabs". afhu.org. http://www.afhu.org/files/HUArticles/Powell%20Friendship%20with%20Israel%20Means%20Friendship%20with%20Arabs.pdf. 
  217. ↑ McDonald, Terrence T. (February 8, 2013). "Gov. Christie visits Union City school opening, hears Democratic mayor praise him" Archived April 26, 2014, at the Wayback Machine.. NJ.com.
  218. ↑ Wenik, Ian (June 9, 2013). "Saluting the general". The Union City Reporter. pp. 1, 11.
  219. ↑ "National Board of Advisors". https://www.highpoint.edu/nationalboard/. 
  220. ↑ "Prince George's County prepares to open Colin L. Powell Academy". 21 February 2024. https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/prince-georges-county/__trashed-26/3549368/. 

Sources[]

Further reading[]

External links[]

  • Appearances on C-SPAN
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  • Colin Powell at the Internet Movie Database
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Political offices
Preceded by
Peter Rodman 		Deputy National Security Advisor
1986–1987 		Succeeded by
John Negroponte
Preceded by
Frank Carlucci 		National Security Advisor
1987–1989 		Succeeded by
Brent Scowcroft
Preceded by
Madeleine Albright 		United States Secretary of State
2001–2005 		Succeeded by
Condoleezza Rice
Military offices
Preceded by
William Crowe 		Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
1989–1993 		Succeeded by
David Jeremiah
Acting
Awards and achievements
Preceded by
Mikhail Gorbachev 		Recipient of the Ronald Reagan Freedom Award
1993 		Succeeded by
Yitzhak Rabin
Party political offices
Preceded by
Susan Molinari 		Keynote Speaker of the Republican National Convention
2000
Served alongside: John McCain 		Succeeded by
Zell Miller
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