Powell proves failures of past

The endorsement that Barack Obama has received from former secretary of state Colin Powell is an indication of events of the past as much as prospects for the future.

The issue of course goes beyond the fact that a Democratic presidential candidate is being backed by a former Republican official who had served in the administrations of both George Bush Sr as well as George Bush Jr.

Powell has played a crucial role in setting up as well as carrying out major foreign policies during that period with some of the decisions leaving an impact for years to come. Hence it is ironic that a former member of the administration joins forces with the candidate who is contesting all of the latter's policies - both with regard to the domestic and foreign fronts.

But what is more important here is that Powell's endorsement comes across as proof of the failure of the various policies adopted by past Republican administrations. And this should be used as a tool to avoid in the future the mistakes that have been so often repeated in the past. It is within this context that Powell's input would be most appreciated and needed.