Powell criticises Iraq troop levels and rift with Europe
Colin Powell, the former US secretary of state, has for the first time publicly criticised troops levels in Iraq and spoken of the rifts between himself and Donald Rumsfeld, the defence secretary, that undermined his role as architect of American foreign policy.
Mr Powell, in his first interview since resigning last November, also told The Telegraph of his “dismay” at the deterioration in relations between America and Europe and of his “disappointment” with France.
While holding back from blaming Mr Rumsfeld by name for the problems that eventually persuaded him to resign, Mr Powell showed that much of the innuendo and leaks surrounding his volatile relationship with the defence secretary had been well-founded.
This is an interesting article. Colin Powell is tactful, as always, and while the questions grow increasingly “different” I kept waiting to read where the journalist would ask him what color his boots are and how long is his coat.
Interesting piece. I can’t help but wonder how many will overlook his statement on France.