January 26, 2001

Colin Powell is fit to serve

Retired Gen. Colin Powell stood tall last week even as the smoke of battle hung over some other of President Bush's Cabinet nominees. The former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff easily won over members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee as a prelude to unanimous approval by the full Senate of his nomination to serve as the nation's first black secretary of state.

The committee recommendation came following a hearing in which Powell said some things that most Americans were probably pleased, if not greatly surprised, to hear: the Bush administration plans to go forward on creation of a nationwide missile defense system, and the new president will not seek ratification of a treaty establishing an international war crimes court.

President Clinton opposed the defense system, saying there was no proof it would work. However, Powell dismissed the arguments of skeptics, observing, "When people see something new come along they are terrified, but if it is the right thing to do, you do it anyway."

Clinton signed the world court treaty on New Year's Eve despite arguments that it could result in questionable indictments of Americans, including members of the armed forces, who would be without the protection of their constitutional rights. Clinton recommended delaying ratification pending firm assurances that American personnel would not be subject to reckless or political prosecution. Powell, however, suggested that lawmakers not wait on "tippy toes" for submission of the treaty for their approval.

Powell also indicated there would be a reevaluation of the use of American troops in peacekeeping missions in the Balkans.

The general's confident and decisive manner should have reassured anyone who had reservations concerning his fitness to serve as secretary of state. As Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., declared, it seems highly unlikely that "a better qualified person" could be found for the job.