The U.S.-led invasion of Iraq was launched in March 2003. from sealing the success of its initial invasion. The war effort in Afghanistan took a back seat to Iraq, opening the way for the Taliban to make a comeback and prevent the U.S. Frequently presiding at televised briefings on the war, Rumsfeld became something of a TV star, applauded for his blunt talk and uncompromising style.īy 2002 the Bush administration's attention shifted to Iraq, which played no role in the Sept. invasion of Afghanistan and toppling of the Taliban regime.
11, 2001, suicide hijackers attacked the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon, thrusting the nation into wars for which the military was ill-prepared. Nine months into his second tour as defense secretary, on Sept. ambassador and member of Congress.įor all Rumsfeld's achievements, it was the setbacks in Iraq in the twilight of his career that will likely etch the most vivid features of his legacy. He made a brief run for the 1988 Republican presidential nomination, a spectacular flop that he once described as humbling for a man used to success at the highest levels of the government, including stints as White House chief of staff, U.S. The next time, in 2001-06, he was the oldest.Ĭurrent Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin saluted Rumsfeld on Wednesday for his “boundless energy, probing intellect, and abiding commitment to serve his country.” The first time, in 1975-77, he was the youngest ever. Rumsfeld is the only person to serve twice as Pentagon chief.
Still, he built a network of loyalists who admired his work ethic, intelligence and impatience with all who failed to share his sense of urgency. An accomplished wrestler in college, Rumsfeld relished verbal sparring and elevated it to an art form a biting humour was a favourite weapon. But he irritated many with his confrontational style.
"Rummy,” as he was often called, was ambitious, witty, energetic, engaging and capable of great personal warmth. Regarded by former colleagues as equally smart and combative, patriotic and politically cunning, Rumsfeld had a storied career in government under four presidents and nearly a quarter century in corporate America.Īfter retiring in 2008 he headed the Rumsfeld Foundation to promote public service and to work with charities that provide services and support for military families and wounded veterans.
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