Key Facts
Type
Person
Sector
government
Industry
Not specified
Status
Draft
Country
Not specified
Nationality
American
Birth Date
4/5/1937
Death Date
10/18/2021
Sex
Male
Also Known As
Colin Powell
Tags
militarypolitician
Overall Confidence
90%
Internal Notes
No notes
Career & Education
Positions
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
U.S. Military
1989 - 1993
Secretary of State
United States
2001 - 2005
Education
No education added
About
Colin Luther Powell (1937–2021) was an American military officer and statesman who served as the 65th United States Secretary of State (2001–2005) and as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–1993). A four-star general, he was known for his moderate Republican views on foreign policy. He delivered the February 2003 United Nations presentation on Iraqi weapons of mass destruction; although he opposed Ahmed Chalabi, Powell was compelled to use some intelligence sourced from the Iraqi National Congress (INC) in that presentation. He died on October 18, 2021.
Key Relationships
Paul Wolfowitz
attacked
Wolfowitz repeatedly attacked Powell's cautious approach to Iraq, including public statements dismissing Powell's troop estimate needs and blaming State Department bureaucracy for invasion delays, exacerbating intra-administration rifts.
Since 2002
AP
Arie Powell
parent
Arie Powell, née McKoy, was a key figure in Colin's upbringing, fostering a strong sense of community and resilience in their South Bronx home.
George H. W. Bush
appointed
George H. W. Bush appointed Powell as National Security Advisor in 1987 and later as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1989, positioning him at the pinnacle of U.S. military leadership during the end of the Cold War and Gulf War.
Since 1987
George W. Bush
nominated
George W. Bush nominated Powell as Secretary of State in late 2000, leading to his Senate confirmation and role as the administration's chief diplomat, though tensions arose over Iraq policy.
Since 2000
Barack Obama
endorsed
Powell publicly endorsed Obama in October 2008, breaking from the Republican Party and criticizing the GOP's direction, which boosted Obama's credibility among moderates and independents.
Since 2008