You break it, you own it

You break it, you own it

The phrase "you break it, you own it" is often used in the context of taking responsibility for one's actions and the consequences that follow. This concept can be applied to various situations, including personal relationships, business dealings, and even international affairs. One notable example of this principle in action is the case of former Secretary of State Colin Powell and the Iraq War.

Colin Powell served as Secretary of State under President George W. Bush during the lead-up to the Iraq War in 2003. Powell played a key role in making the case for military intervention in Iraq, presenting evidence to the United Nations that Saddam Hussein's regime possessed weapons of mass destruction. Powell's presentation was widely seen as a crucial factor in swaying public opinion in favor of the war.

However, as the war dragged on and no weapons of mass destruction were found, Powell's credibility came under scrutiny. Many critics accused him of misleading the public and the international community about the justification for the war. In a sense, Powell had "broken" the case for war by presenting faulty intelligence and misleading information.