World Report: April 26, 2002 Vol.7 No. 24
- This Issue:
- Table of Contents
- Cover Story
- Cover Story - Spanish Version
- Mini-Lesson
- Comprehension Quiz
- Teacher's Guide and Worksheets
From Soldier to Statesman
Spanish TranslationDuring his years as a general in the U.S. Army, Secretary of State Colin Powell developed a list of his own personal sayings that he called Powell's Rules. Number 1 was, It isn't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
In the wee hours of the morning last week, after having spent nine days shuttling back and forth between frustrating meetings with leaders in the Middle East, Powell decided it was time to cheer up the troops. The former commander marched to the rear of the airplane, where the weary aides and reporters were sleeping. "Wake up!" he said to the group, grinning. "Only two more weeks!"
The veteran soldier was in the middle of one of his toughest battles ever: negotiating an end to the violence in the Middle East. Many people felt he wouldn't be able to accomplish much on his peace mission, but Powell was calm and upbeat from beginning to end. "I don't like wallowing with pessimists," he said on a stop in Madrid on his way to the region. "I'm going there because it's necessary for me to go."
Powell returned home to the U.S. on Thursday without the victory he had hoped for. Neither side agreed to a cease-fire. But Powell is not giving up.
Warrior for Peace
As Secretary of State, Powell serves as the President's main adviser on matters that relate to foreign countries, such as arranging treaties, negotiating peace and protecting Americans living abroad. This has been a hectic year for Powell. After September 11, he moved quickly to help gather support around the world for the war on terrorism.
Powell is no stranger to international conflict. He led U.S. soldiers in battles in Vietnam and commanded the armed forces during the 1991 Persian Gulf War. Those experiences have served him well as a statesman.
Powell's journey to the halls of power in Washington, D.C., began in the streets of New York City. He was born in Harlem and raised in the Bronx. His parents were poor immigrants from Jamaica who moved to the U.S. to give their kids a better future. Powell was an average student, earning mostly C's. Racism was a fact of life when he was growing up, but Powell says his parents raised him and his sister with high expectations and a sense of pride. Living in a diverse community, he was exposed to many different people and ideas. "I learned a great deal about myself on the streets of New York," he wrote in his autobiography, My American Journey. "I grew up with people of all different ethnic origins and backgrounds and religions."
After he finished college, Powell entered the military because, as he says, "it was a time when there weren't many opportunities for young blacks, even ones who had completed college." Powell found his calling. He became one of the military's fastest rising stars. For the next 35 years, he served his country proudly.
During his career, Powell has broken down many racial barriers. He was the first black person to serve in several top government posts, including Secretary of State. After the Gulf War, Powell became a national hero. There was even a Colin Powell GI Joe doll! With his popularity rising so high, some people hoped he would run for President.
Soldiering On
The violence continues in the Middle East, but Powell is not ready to admit defeat in his mission. "The Secretary laid out the framework and path to achieve peace," said President Bush. Powell has promised to return to the Middle East soon. But this old soldier has found that waging peace can be even harder than waging war.
An American Journey
1937: Powell was born on April 5 in New York City. His parents were immigrants from Jamaica. His father, Luther, had high expectations of his son.
1958: After graduating from college, Powell began a 35- year career in the army.
1962: Powell married Alma Johnson. They have three children: Mike, Linda and Anne.
1962: Powell was sent to Vietnam. He earned the Soldiers' Medal in the war.
1989: Powell, now a four-star general, was appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the top military position in the country, by President George Bush.
1991: Powell guided the U.S. military effort in the Gulf War. He became an American hero.
1996: Powell's many supporters urged him to run for President. He decided not to seek elected office.
1997: He started America's Promise, a volunteer program offering mentors for needy kids.
2001: Powell was sworn in as Secretary of State, the highest-ranking member of the President's cabinet.
