Colin Powell Biography and Timeline

Birth of Colin Powell

Birth of Colin Powell

Chairman

Appointed Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff

Government

Appointed Secretary of State, 65th Secretary of State

Role range: 2000- – 2001-2004

Al-Qaeda

Powell presented evidence alleging that Iraq was actively producing chemical and biological weapons and had ties to al-Qaeda

Role range: 2003-2003 – 2001-

Invasion of Iraq

His presentation to the United Nations Security Council contained a computer-generated image of a "mobile biological weapons laboratory.."

Role range: 2003-2003 – 2001-

Invasion of Iraq

However, this information was based on claims of Rafid Ahmed Alwan al-Janabi, codenamed "Curveball", an Iraqi emigrant living in Germany who later admitted that his claims had been false.

Role range: 2003-2003 – 2001-

Invasion of Iraq

On 5 February 2003, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell addressed the United Nations General Assembly, continuing U.S. efforts to gain United Nations authorization for an invasion.

Role range: 2003-2003 – 2001-

Invasion of Iraq

Fails to gain support from United Nations Security Council members France, Germany & Russia

UN Security Council

Fails to gain support from United Nations Security Council members France, Germany & Russia

Invasion of Iraq

US Secretary of State Colin Powell addressed the United Nations General Assembly, continuing US efforts to gain United Nations authorization for an invasion. Powell presented evidence alleging that Iraq was actively producing chemical and biological weapons and had ties to al-Qaeda

Role range: 2003-2003 – 2001-

Invasion of Iraq

US Secretary of State Colin Powell addressed the United Nations General Assembly, continuing US efforts to gain United Nations authorization for an invasion. Powell presented evidence alleging that Iraq was actively producing chemical and biological weapons and had ties to al-Qaeda

Role range: 2001-

Resignation of Colin Powell

Resigns as Secretary of State

Role range: 2000- – 2001-2004