Richard L. Armitage: A Key Figure in U.S. Foreign Policy Dies at 79

Richard L. Armitage, former Deputy Secretary of State, died at 79 from a pulmonary embolism. He was a prominent figure during the Iraq War and involved in the Valerie Plame affair. Known as part of the “Vulcans,” he served under three Republican presidents and had a notable career in U.S. foreign policy.

Richard L. Armitage, who served as Deputy Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005 under Colin Powell, passed away at the age of 79 from a pulmonary embolism. His career was marked by significant events including the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Armitage’s family-run consulting company, Armitage International, announced his death, though it did not disclose the location.

A graduate of the Naval Academy, Mr. Armitage had a long-standing commitment to U.S. foreign policy, holding senior positions under three Republican presidents. He was known for advocating a strong American presence on the world stage and was part of a group of advisors to President George W. Bush known as “the Vulcans,” which included Condoleezza Rice and Dick Cheney.

Richard L. Armitage’s legacy is intricately woven into the fabric of American foreign policy during a pivotal era. He will be remembered for his roles in shaping defense strategies, particularly during the Iraq War and the emergence of counterterrorism measures post-9/11. His life’s work and his eventual stance against certain U.S. practices reveal the complexities of governance and ideology during turbulent times.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com