The Vietnam War had a profound effect on Powell 's views of the proper use of military force . These views are described in detail in the autobiography '' My American Journey '' . The Powell Doctrine , as the views became known , was a central component of U.S. policy in the Persian Gulf War ( the first U.S. war in Iraq ) and U.S. invasion of Afghanistan ( the overthrow of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks ) . The hallmark of both operations was strong international cooperation , and the use of overwhelming military force
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Colin Powell