U.S. Envoy to Afghanistan Richard Holbroke Dies

The celebrated diplomat's last words were "You've got to stop this war in Afghanistan."

Washington has lost a legendary member of its diplomatic corps. Holbroke, 69, had been serving as Barack Obama’s special envoy to Afghanistan, but his previous credentials included brokering a settlement to end the Balkan war in 1995, serving as ambassador to the UN and Germany, and twice being named assistant secretary of state. His tough diplomatic style earned him the nickname “the Bulldozer.” He collapsed on Friday during a meeting with Hillary Clinton in Washington and was rushed to George Washington University Hospital where he underwent two surgeries over the weekend to repair damage done by a rip in his aorta. Doctors reported that they had stabilized his condition after the surgeries, but he died Monday. Reportedly, he told his surgeon just before he went under, "You've got to stop this war in Afghanistan."