Powell: 'U.S. Is Not Doing Bad at All'
Oct 20 12:53 AM US/Eastern
CAROLYN THOMPSON
Associated Press Writer
AMHERST, N.Y. - Former Secretary of State Colin Powell said Wednesday the United States is "not doing bad at all" diplomatically, despite anti-American sentiment over the war in Iraq.
"If you stand back a bit," Powell told an audience at the University at Buffalo, "you might see we have done very well in most parts of the world."
Powell, a guest in the university's Distinguished Speakers Series, outlined strides made in Europe, China and Asia, and predicted nuclear disputes with North Korea and Iran would be solved diplomatically.
Although Powell last month called his prewar speech to the United Nations accusing Iraq of harboring weapons of mass destruction a blot on his record, he said Wednesday the United States could not walk away from the current fight until Iraq is stronger.
"We are where we are," he said.
"We have to stay the course," he said to applause.
Powell did not refer to the February 2003 speech _ which lent credibility to President Bush's case for going to war _ during his hourlong address.
It was a primary topic, however, among the roughly 50 protesters who gathered outside to denounce Powell, Bush and the war.
"We're sorry so many people think he's a celebrity. We think he's a war criminal," said James Ulrich, a university photographer who held a sign: "Colin Powell, Have you no shame?"
Oct 20 12:53 AM US/Eastern
CAROLYN THOMPSON
Associated Press Writer
AMHERST, N.Y. - Former Secretary of State Colin Powell said Wednesday the United States is "not doing bad at all" diplomatically, despite anti-American sentiment over the war in Iraq.
"If you stand back a bit," Powell told an audience at the University at Buffalo, "you might see we have done very well in most parts of the world."
Powell, a guest in the university's Distinguished Speakers Series, outlined strides made in Europe, China and Asia, and predicted nuclear disputes with North Korea and Iran would be solved diplomatically.
Although Powell last month called his prewar speech to the United Nations accusing Iraq of harboring weapons of mass destruction a blot on his record, he said Wednesday the United States could not walk away from the current fight until Iraq is stronger.
"We are where we are," he said.
"We have to stay the course," he said to applause.
Powell did not refer to the February 2003 speech _ which lent credibility to President Bush's case for going to war _ during his hourlong address.
It was a primary topic, however, among the roughly 50 protesters who gathered outside to denounce Powell, Bush and the war.
"We're sorry so many people think he's a celebrity. We think he's a war criminal," said James Ulrich, a university photographer who held a sign: "Colin Powell, Have you no shame?"
