Coalitions Quote by Colin Powell
“It is the US government's desire for the Iraqi people to lead themselves, not for any outside power to be the leadership for Iraq in the future. There may be some transition period where the international community would have to help the Iraqi people put in place a representative government. But that is the goal, not for the United States, or any other nation, for that matter, who might be in such a coalition, if one is formed, to serve as the leader of the Iraqi nation.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: U.S. State Department Remarks on Iraq, 2003
The U.S. wants Iraq to govern itself, not be led by external powers, though temporary assistance may be needed.
In simple terms: U.S. supports Iraqi self‑rule, with short‑term help.
Key Takeaway
Support local governance, limit foreign control.
Themes
self‑determination
foreign policy
nation building
Mood
cautious
optimistic
Type
political
strategic
When to use this quote
- post‑conflict reconstruction
- diplomatic negotiations
- NGO operations
- policy drafting
Key Concepts
sovereignty
transition planning
international aid
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the risks of prolonged foreign involvement?
- How can aid be balanced with autonomy?
A Different Perspective
External leadership can create dependency and undermine legitimacy.
![“It is not our place to decide who should lead the Iraqi people. If Saddam [Hussein] leaves or has to be forced out of power and a new regime brought in, a new leadership brought in, I am confident it will be some combination of people inside the country and outside the country.” quote by Colin Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/390/colin-powell-691_combination_it-is-not-our-place-to-decide-who-should_3213114.jpg)
