Former Secretary of State Colin Powell told an audience of nearly 1,000 at Duke University that the United States must continue to engage in Iraq in order to secure and help promote freedom and democracy in that country. “We can’t up and run,” he said.
In a speech Friday at Duke University to celebrate the dedication of the Rubenstein Hall, the second building of the Terry Stanford Institute of Public Policy, Powell addressed the war on terrorism, anti-Americanism, and his ideas of leadership. He focused on anecdotal stories mixed with a comedic and serious tone to convey a message that America was still a trusted nation in the world.
“History and destiny have put America in this position,” Powell said. “We are the trusted leader. We are still trusted.”
During the past few months, has had to get used to the idea of retirement for the second time in his career.
After stepping down as secretary of state before the start of President Bush’s second term, Powell had to grow accustomed to life away from government or military life, something he tried to do when he retired from the military.
“I had to find things to occupy my time,” Powell said. “I had to get out of the house.”
Nearly 1,000 people assembled inside the Wilson Recreational Center to listen to Powell’s remarks on retirement, his involvement with City College of New York, life in the military and his term as secretary of state. A large group of students who were unable to find seating inside the packed center listened to the speech outside through opened windows.
“Don’t blame me,” Powell said while recognizing those outside, “I’m not the fire marshal.”
Powell touched on Iraq and Afghanistan, highlighting some of the accomplishments in both areas, such as free elections and the capture of Saddam Hussein, while also pointing out there are still challenges ahead.
Powell also discussed some of the security measures that were implemented after the terrorist attacks Sept. 11. He said that while the security measures were needed, some, such as increased scrutiny of visa applications, were discouraging foreign students from coming to the United States and also increased skepticism about the country.
“People from around the world believed Americans were not the same welcoming people as they had been,” Powell said.
That sentiment, Powell said, played into the hands of the terrorists.
“We’ve got to do a better job,” Powell said. “If we don’t, the terrorists will win, and we will be losing.”
“The more folks we bring here, the more folks we send back home knowing something about America,” he said.
Powell said he hopes that one day Israel and Palestine will be able to coexist. However, he fears that recent developments in the Middle East may deter that goal. “We have a moment of opportunity,” Powell said. “I hope this opportunity is not lost.”
But, Powell said, any future progress that occurs in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the rest of the Middle East will be through the leadership of those in college today. He also said public policy institutes such as those at Duke and his own group at his alma mater, City College of New York, has a role to play in the future of the United States and in those regions.
Shannon Blosser ([email protected]) is a staff writer for the John W. Pope Center for Higher Education Policy in Chapel Hill.