With support from the University of Richmond

History News Network puts current events into historical perspective. Subscribe to our newsletter for new perspectives on the ways history continues to resonate in the present. Explore our archive of thousands of original op-eds and curated stories from around the web. Join us to learn more about the past, now.

Colin Powell's Journey from 'Soldier' to Statesman [audio 8min]

Author Karen DeYoung's profile of former Secretary of State Colin Powell begins with one of the worst moments of Powell's professional career, when he was asked to resign. Leading up to that moment, DeYoung says, Powell felt frustrated with his effectiveness in the Bush administration. The core of DeYoung's book, Soldier: The Life of Colin Powell, consists of a series of long interviews with Powell -- some while he was still Secretary of State, and others after he resigned and left government life. Being forced from office after years of loyally supporting the Bush administration, DeYoung says, came as a big embarrassment. Webpage includes extended report by Farai Chideya, book excerpt, extended 26min interview with Colin Powell.
Read entire article at NPR "News & Notes"