Richard L. Armitage, Former Deputy Secretary of State, Passes Away at 79

Richard L. Armitage, the former Deputy Secretary of State, died at 79 from a pulmonary embolism. He was known for his role during the Iraq War and his involvement in the Valerie Plame scandal. Armitage had a long governmental career, prominently advising presidents on foreign policy and defense, and later expressed regret over controversial decisions made during his tenure.

Richard L. Armitage, who served as the Deputy Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005, passed away at the age of 79 due to a pulmonary embolism. His tenure coincided with crucial events such as the 9/11 attacks and subsequent military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Armitage’s family confirmed the news, although the location of his passing was not disclosed.

A graduate of the Naval Academy, Mr. Armitage held significant roles under three Republican presidents, promoting a strong American presence in foreign affairs. He was a member of the ‘Vulcans,’ a group assembled by Condoleezza Rice to advise then-governor George W. Bush during his first presidential term.

Armitage became embroiled in controversy during the so-called “Valerie Plame affair,” wherein he unintentionally leaked information about a covert CIA agent. This scandal emerged amidst claims that the Bush administration fabricated evidence to justify the war in Iraq.

The investigation that followed into the leak resulted in widespread media coverage and a criminal probe, although charges were only brought against I. Lewis Libby, an aide to Vice President Dick Cheney. Mr. Armitage later acknowledged his role as the source of the leak and expressed regret, stating that he felt he had let down numerous individuals involved.

His career, which began in the Reagan administration, saw him holding various foreign policy and defense positions. Following President Bush’s re-election in 2004, he stepped down from his post at the State Department, keeping a promise to serve for only four years.

In subsequent years, Armitage publicly condemned the CIA’s waterboarding practices under the Bush administration, labeling them torture and expressing regret for not resigning in protest. His passing leaves a legacy marked by both significant contributions to U.S. foreign policy and a controversial chapter in American political history.

Richard L. Armitage was born on April 26, 1945, and had previously fostered many children with his wife. He is survived by his wife, Laura, eight children, and 12 grandchildren. In his later years, he publicly distanced himself from Donald Trump and supported Democratic candidates, including Hillary Clinton and Joseph Biden.

Richard L. Armitage’s life was marked by significant contributions to U.S. foreign policy during turbulent times, alongside a controversial link to the Valerie Plame scandal. Following a distinguished military career and extensive government service, he left a complex legacy of both accomplishment and regret. His passing mourns a figure who epitomized the fierce debates surrounding American foreign involvement and the ethics of governance during crisis periods.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com