It was with great disappointment that I read that Colin Powell is stepping down as Secretary of State. I have a great deal of respect for the Secretary's military record and distinguished life of public service. Mr. Powell was publicly loyal to the administration, but appears to have engaged in a lot of debate over the administration's post 9/11 involvements in Afghanistan and Iraq, it's lack of engagement in Africa, and the administration's misguided "my way or the highway" approach to foreign policy. Mr. Powell had a great deal of tact and subtlety to his diplomacy, which is an indispensible skill to possess as the point man for the administratin's foreign policy. While many Democrats may fault the Secretary's argument for the invasion of Iraq in the UN, Mr. Powell made his case with what he believed were the best available facts, but more importantly, continued to argue for a go slow approach within the administration. In the end, it makes little difference whether his exit was planned, or whether her was pushed -- the administration is losing its most important voice for reason and moderation in its foreign policy.
A grateful nation thanks you for your service.
No comments:
Post a Comment