Powell did not do anything to get more boots on the ground, nothing, nadda; he made not one strong statement against DOD plans ever, except one inane pottery barn statement to the President.
Wikipedia entry: "Powell came under fire for his role in building the case for the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. In a press statement on February 24, 2001 he had said that sanctions against Iraq had prevented the development of any weapons of mass destruction by Saddam Hussein. As was the case in the days leading up to the Persian Gulf War, Powell was initially opposed to a forcible overthrow of Hussein, preferring to continue a policy of containment. However, Powell eventually agreed to go along with the Bush administration's determination to remove Hussein. He had often clashed with others in the administration, who were reportedly planning an Iraq invasion even before the September 11 attacks, an insight supported by testimony by former terrorism czar Richard Clarke in front of the 9/11 Commission. The main concession Powell wanted before he would offer his full support for the Iraq War was the involvement of the international community in the invasion, as opposed to a unilateral approach. He was also successful in persuading Bush to take the case of Iraq to the United Nations, and in moderating other initiatives. Powell was placed at the forefront of this diplomatic campaign."
How did he not benefit the country in those years?
He did not risk his position to defend the doctrine named after him.
You do understand that the reason it is named after him is because it is his doctrine... right?
Incidentally, Powell was also tragically wrong about the First Gulf War, he warned Bush Snr we would loose 50,000 troops and may not be able to remove Saddam from Kuwait.
Wow! YOUR A GENUIS! You see... Powell was actually Joint Chief of Staffs at the time... What were you? Powell said in the event of a "direct attack" on Iraq's defenses in Kuwait that, on paper, we would lose 50,000 troops. That didn't happen now did it?
Had Powell been headed in that war Kuwait would now be Saddam's prison playground?
Powell supported the intevention in Kuwait.
But when that war was successful, Powell had no problem taking credit for it.
Probably because he was pivotal in the war and credit was given by others.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU3I70sd9ys&feature=PlayList&p=28F3426F7128484F&index=2"]YouTube - Gulf War - Desert Shield (051 - 22nd December, 1990)[/ame]
Just as he had no problem bailing out on a war he never did a thing to stop, because he thought it would be unsuccessful?
He never said it would be unsuccessful.
Powell is the kind of leader that makes good headlines, media types love him, but no real soldier would want to fight with, or under him.
I'm sorry... are you a veteran?
You are clearly attacking Powell to meet some lame partisan end... Powell is one of the greatest statesman of the 20th and so far 21st century, he should be revered and respected by every American. All you can do is attack him with the most baseless accusations.