For many Americans, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell eased their doubts and legitimized the decision to wage war with Iraq.

But the old soldier with a sterling reputation wound up embarrassed—and wrong about the facts—when the case he presented to the United Nations and to the world collapsed.

His popularity remained high especially among foreign leaders and others abroad who are comfortable with his moderate views.

Over a 40-year career, beginning as an army second lieutenant, Powell played it close to the vest, dutifully reserving his opinions for his bosses.

But he was often unable to convince U.S. President George W. Bush to adopt his more measured views, as they ran up against hawkish positions taken by Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld and other senior advisers to the president.

Traditionalists who favor consulting allies and gaining their support for foreign ventures were fans of Powell. Liberals felt he was one of them. His support for affirmative action, international family planning and gun control resonated with them.

European allies considered Powell an advocate of trans-Atlantic unity.

A spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Annan“particularly appreciates the secretary’s support for the United Nations and for multilateral approaches to problem-solving.”