Stinking AP.
I know Powell has his detractors here on FR, but I do think he's an honorable man who's done honorable service to his country.
Colin Powell is a great American hero. I wish he were inclined to run for President. He'd get my vote even though there might be an issue or two where I may have a disagreement with him.
I like Powell, mostly. I think he is an honorable man. But he does have his flaws that prevent him from being anything more than what he has been.
I think Powell, given a clear command structure is comfortable and in command. Take him out of that role and stick him in the State Department, and his inability to cope with "political hacks", Clintonistas, and subordinates who actively undermined him and his policies (and the policies of the President) and Powell is a fish out of water. He doesn't understand people like that and can't deal with them effectively enough to either force them out or replace them.
Other than that, he's probably a swell guy.
An honorable man know when to keep his mouth shut and that's what he should have done once he was no longer secretary of State. Colin Powell got too cozy with the entrenched leftist apparatchiks at State