Donald Rumsfeld, US Secretary Of Defense During Afghan And Iraq Invasion, Dies Aged 88

Donald Rumsfeld, former secretary of defense to presidents Gerald Ford & George W Bush, has died at 88, his family announced in a statement on June 30. “It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Donald Rumsfeld,” the statement read. Rumsfeld's family said he "was surrounded by family in his beloved Taos, New Mexico.” Rumsfeld is the only person to serve twice as Pentagon chief. Setbacks in Iraq in the twilight of Rumsfeld’s career will likely etch the most vivid features of his legacyNine months into his second tour as defence secretary, on September 11, 2001 suicide hijackers attacked the World Trade Center in New York & the Pentagon, thrusting the nation into wars for which the military was ill-preparedRumsfeld oversaw the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan and toppling of the Taliban regime. Rumsfeld twice offered his resignation to President George W Bush in 2004 amid disclosures that US troops had abused detainees at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison. he later referred to this episode as his darkest hour as defence secretary. Not until November 2006, after Democrats gained control of Congress by riding a wave of antiwar sentiment, did Bush finally decide Rumsfeld had to go. He left office in December, replaced by Robert Gates. Watch the video to know more.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 01, 2021 11:25 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).