Richard L. Armitage, Influential State Department Official, Dies at 79

Richard L. Armitage, former Deputy Secretary of State, died at 79 from a pulmonary embolism. He served during a tumultuous time, involved in significant foreign policy decisions and the Valerie Plame affair. Armitage was a prominent part of the Vulcans, influencing the Bush administration’s defense strategies and later launched a consulting firm, Armitage International. He is survived by his wife and children, having left a complex legacy in U.S. diplomacy.

Richard L. Armitage, a prominent figure in the U.S. State Department during a tumultuous period in American history, passed away at the age of 79 due to a pulmonary embolism. He served as Deputy Secretary of State under Colin Powell from 2001 to 2005, playing a significant role during and after the 9/11 attacks, as well as the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

A Naval Academy graduate and Vietnam War veteran, Mr. Armitage was part of a cadre of influential foreign policy experts known as “the Vulcans,” who shaped defense strategies during George W. Bush’s presidency. However, he gained notoriety for inadvertently revealing the identity of C.I.A. operative Valerie Plame Wilson amid the Iraq invasion, a controversy that escalated into a significant Washington scandal.

The controversy, often referred to as the “Valerie Plame affair,” revolved around claims that the Bush administration misrepresented intelligence regarding Iraq’s alleged ties to terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. A critical moment occurred when Ms. Wilson’s name was disclosed, leading to a criminal investigation and widespread media attention. Mr. Armitage later admitted to being the source of the leak yet maintained that it was unintentional.

Mr. Armitage’s career in high-ranking positions within the government began during the Reagan administration and encompassed several pivotal moments in U.S. foreign policy. He worked closely with leaders such as Condoleezza Rice and Dick Cheney, advocating for a proactive military presence worldwide. Following his departure from government in 2005, he established Armitage International, a consulting firm, yet remained a vocal critic of certain government actions, such as waterboarding.

Born on April 26, 1945, in Massachusetts and raised in Atlanta, Mr. Armitage served in the Navy and became a decorated veteran for his service in Vietnam. His notable contributions extended beyond his official roles, having rescued thousands of Vietnamese evacuees after the fall of Saigon. He is survived by his wife, Laura, eight children, and numerous grandchildren, and he continued to impact political discussions, endorsing candidates from different parties in recent elections.

Richard L. Armitage’s legacy is marked by his influential role in American foreign policy during a critical era, his involvement in significant diplomatic affairs, and his acknowledgment of past errors, notably in the Valerie Plame leak. His diverse career reflected a commitment to U.S. interests abroad, while his later actions illustrated a complex relationship with political accountability. He leaves behind a family and an extensive impact on American diplomacy.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com