Richard L. Armitage, Former State Department Official, Passes Away at 79
Richard L. Armitage, the former Deputy Secretary of State, died at age 79 from a pulmonary embolism. A Navy veteran, he played a significant role during the Iraq War and became known for his involvement in the Valerie Plame affair, where he inadvertently leaked a CIA operative’s identity. He was a prominent figure in U.S. foreign policy through three Republican administrations and remained active in political discussions post-government.
Richard L. Armitage, a significant figure in U.S. foreign policy, passed away on Sunday at the age of 79 due to a pulmonary embolism. Armitage served as the Deputy Secretary of State under Colin Powell during a tumultuous period marked by the 9/11 attacks and the ensuing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. His legacy is intertwined with critical decisions and controversies of that era, including his role in the Valerie Plame affair.
Armitage, notably a graduate of the Naval Academy and a Vietnam War veteran, held senior positions in the foreign policy and defense sectors across three Republican administrations. He was a member of the “Vulcans,” a group of advisors who played a crucial role in shaping the foreign policy of President George W. Bush during the early 2000s.
He gained notoriety when he became the unidentified source of the leak revealing CIA operative Valerie Plame’s identity in 2003, an event that sparked a media frenzy and a special prosecutor’s inquiry. His companion in notoriety was Joseph C. Wilson IV, Plame’s husband, who publicly accused the administration of retaliating against him for his criticisms.
Although Armitage admitted to being the source of the leak in 2006, he characterized his disclosure as inadvertent and expressed remorse for his actions, saying it was a “terrible error” that he regretted deeply. The incident contributed to a larger political scandal but ultimately did not result in criminal charges against him.
Armitage began his government career in the 1970s, contributing to key roles in the Reagan administration and later under George H.W. Bush, including serving as an emissary to King Hussein of Jordan during the Persian Gulf War. Upon leaving government, he founded a consulting firm, Armitage International, and remained active in political discourse, endorsing both Hillary Clinton and Joseph R. Biden Jr. in subsequent elections.
Born on April 26, 1945, in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Armitage was remembered not only for his diplomatic contributions but also for his family life. He is survived by his wife Laura and a large family, leaving behind a complex but impactful legacy in American political history.
Richard L. Armitage was a prominent figure during a crucial time in American foreign policy, being deeply involved in significant events and controversies. His acknowledgment of mistakes, such as those regarding the Valerie Plame scandal, highlights the complexities of a career defined by both service and conflict. His contributions and actions will continue to influence discussions about U.S. foreign policy and integrity in government.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
