Photos: Ambassador Susan Rice makes surprise visit to Libya

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U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice is currently visiting Libya. She first stopped by Tripoli where she had talks with Libya's Prime Minister designate Abdurrahim El Keib and also was presented with a memento during her visit to the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi. 

ABC News: US Envoy to UN Makes Surprise Visit to Libya

US Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice arrived in Tripoli, Libya, today in a surprise trip, just a month after she voted to end the UN’s mandate of the NATO mission that ousted Moammar Gadhafi.

“It is good to be in Libya,” she tweeted shortly after arriving.  "I’ve come to witness progress & lend support to Libyan & #UN personnel.” 

Rice eight months ago played a pivotal role in convincing the UN Security Council to authorize the mission to protect civilians.

Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Huma Abedin, Susan Rice and more spotted at UN General Assembly

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Some of our favorite political women were spotted at the United Nations General Assembly 2011 in New York City this week. Among them were Susan Rice, the UN Ambassador the United Nations and Hillary Clinton, the Secretary of State. Alongside Hillary Clinton was her trusted aide and traveling chief of staff, Huma Abedin.

First Lady Michelle Obama was also present at some of the events this year. We spotted her listening to Pres. Obama give his address to the UN body this morning. We also noticed that the First Lady is growing out her bob. Can you tell the difference?

Video: UN Ambassador Susan Rice appears on 'The Colbert Report'

UN Ambassador Susan Rice was last night's guest on The Colbert Report. In the wide-ranging interview, she defended America's recent missions in Libya and Syria and explained why the United Nations is still needed today. The always hilarious Stephen Colbert, host of the show, also asked Ambassador Rice about the famine crisis in Somalia. Check out the video below. 

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Ambassador Susan Rice Pt. 1
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog Video Archive

Photos: Susan Rice, Ambassador to the United Nations spotted in Sudan

Ambassador the United Nations, Susan Rice was spotted touring parts of Africa as part of a UN Security Council delegation. In the week long trip she visited Kenya, Ethiopia and parts of Sudan. 

Spotted: Susan Rice and Hillary Clinton listen as Pres. Obama gives Middle East speech

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Don't you love women in charge? I know I do. Plus I'm loving the red and blue 
they got going on!              
UN Ambassador Susan Rice and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were spotted listening to President Barack Obama give his much anticipated speech on Mideast and North Africa policy today at the State Department.

Spotted: Susan Rice meets with UN Security Council on situation in Libya

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United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice was spotted today at a meeting with the United Nations Security Council. The council was meeting on sanctions it had previously imposed on Libya two weeks ago. President Obama will also address the country this evening about the US's role moving forward, and earlier today NATO announced that it would be taking military control of operations against Libyan military. 

Who is Samantha Power? Adviser to the President and Ardent Human Rights Advocate

Samantha Power's name has been floating in the blog-sphere for the past couple of days due to her involvement in advising Pres. Obama about the situation in Libya. However, she has been a key advisor for the President for quite a while. 

She might be famously remembered for calling Hillary Clinton, "a monster", but has since been a Special Assistant to the President while running the Office of Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights as well as a member of the National Security Council. 

According to TED, she had a long resume long before she entered the White House. She is head of Harvard's Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, where she studies US policy as it relates to human rights, genocide and war. Her latest book is about Sergio Vieira de Mello, a UN diplomat who worked with the world's worst dictators to help protect the human rights of their people.

She also spent numerous years as a journalist. From 1993 to 1996 she reported in the former Yugoslavia, and contributed commentary to the New Yorker and Time. A noted author, her latest book is about Sergio Vieira de Mello, a UN diplomat who worked with the world's worst dictators to help protect the human rights of their people. Other books she has written include A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide.

She also is a staunch advocate for human rights and believes that the United States must return to a human rights-centered foreign policy or risk its prestige and respect in the world community. In the picture to the left, she is shown with actor George Clooney and human rights activist and co-founder of the Enough Project John Prendergast in October, after a meeting with Pres. Obama discussing the duo's trio to Sudan.

Are women leading the way in Libya? Hillary Clinton, Susan Rice, Samantha Power are at forefront

Samantha Power, Susan Rice and President Obama

If you have been paying attention to all the news articles and blog stories about the lead up to military action in  Libya, a new narrative is starting to emerge. Many are noting that three women in particular - Hillary Clinton, Susan Rice, and Samantha Power - are the driving force behind Pres. Obama's sudden change in wanting military action in Libya.

From the New York Times:

The shift in the administration’s position — from strong words against Libya to action — was forced largely by the events beyond its control: the crumbling of the uprising raised the prospect that Colonel Qaddafi would remain in power to kill “many thousands,” as Mr. Obama said at the White House on Friday. The change became possible, though, only after Mrs. Clinton joined Samantha Power, a senior aide at the National Security Council, and Susan Rice, Mr. Obama’s ambassador to the United Nations, who had been pressing the case for military action, according to senior administration officials speaking only on condition of anonymity. Ms. Power is a former journalist and human rights advocate; Ms. Rice was an Africa adviser to President Clinton when the United States failed to intervene to stop the Rwanda genocide, which Mr. Clinton has called his biggest regret.Now, the three women were pushing for American intervention to stop a looming humanitarian catastrophe in Libya.

What do you think about this? Are you surprised that women are actually the ones calling for military action when often they are seen as the peacemakers?

Photo of the Day: Susan Rice voting at the UN for "no fly zone" in Libya

AP/Getty

United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice is seen here voting on behalf of the United Nations at the meeting of the United Nations Security Council for a no-fly zone and 'all necessary measures' against forces loyal to Moamer Kadhafi in Libya. The vote was 10 yeses and 5 abstains - China, Russia, Germany, India and Brazil.

At the podium: Susan Rice answers questions about Libya

Spotted: Susan Rice arriving for Security Council consultations on Libya

AP

Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice was seen arriving at the UN headquarters for Security Council consultations on the peace and security in Libya and other countries in Africa today.

From the LA Times:

The UN Security Council met behind closed doors Saturday to discuss the escalating situation in Libya, a day after Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the violent actions in the country. Members circulated a draft resolution that would impose international sanctions, including an arms embargo and travel ban for members of the Kadafi regime. The draft resolution also calls for members of the regime to be investigated for possible crimes against humanity in the International Criminal Court, according to the New York Times. The 15-member Security Council has the power, under Chapter 7 of the United Nations Charter, to determine the existence of any threats to peace, and take action to "restore international peace and security".

United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice holds virtual town hall

  AP

Looks like the United Nations is embracing social media in a cool way. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice participated in a virtual global town hall today at Twitter's headquarters in San Francisco. Participants were able to submit questions using the hashtag #AskAmbRice as well as watch the town hall live on UStream.

From Sojourner to Michelle: Ten Black Women Politicians Who Have Made History

In honor of Black History Month, we put together a list of ten black women politicians who have made a difference in US politics. Shirley Chisholm and Barbara Jordan paved a way for black women to serve in Congress and other women like Patricia Roberts Harris and Alexis Herman showed that they black women could lead large government departments. And even today, women like Condoleeza Rice and Susan Rice continue to show the world they they have the skills and diplomacy needed to have a successful career in foreign policy. Check out the other black women politicians who made an impact on American politics.

First up, is Sojourner Truth, who was an women's rights activist and abolitionist in the 1800s. She is remembered for giving her famous speech, "Ain't I a Woman" in 1851 at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention.  In April 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama honored her by unveiling a statue of Sojourner Truth on Capitol Hill- the first black woman to be so honored at the Capitol.

"One can only imagine what Sojourner Truth, an outspoken, tell-it-like-it-is kind of woman...would have to say about this incredible gathering, just looking down on this day, and thinking about the legacy she has left all of us -- because we are all here because, as my husband says time and time again, we stand on the shoulders of giants like Sojourner Truth." - Michelle Obama

Shirley Chisholm was the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. Congress and even hired an all-female staff to show her dedication to advocating for women. She also co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) and also ran for president. Announcing her candidacy she famously said, "I stand before you today as a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the Presidency of the United States. I am not the candidate of black America, although I am black and proud. I am not the candidate of the women's movement of this country, although I am a woman, and I am equally proud of that. I am not the candidate of any political bosses or special interests. I am the candidate of the people."

Patricia Roberts Harris is a woman of many firsts. She became the first African-American woman to serve as an ambassador, under President Lyndon B. Johnson, she later then became the dean of Howard Law School, the first African-American woman to become dean of a law school, and then became the first African-American woman to serve in a Presidential cabinet as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Jimmy Carter.

Barbara Jordan represented Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1972-78 and was the first African-American congresswoman from the Deep South. While in office, Ms. Jordan always championed the rights of African-Americans, the disadvantaged and the poor. She also was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Clinton in 1994.

Alexis Herman is the first African-American to become the Secretary of Labor and served under President Clinton. Ms. Herman is a product of a public service family, her father, Alex Herman, was the first black politician elected in the South since Reconstruction. Before her appointment to Labor Department, she served as the Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison and now serves as a board member on a number of companies including Toyota and Coca-Cola.  

Photos: Susan Rice, Nancy Pelosi talk with President Obama

President Barack Obama listens as Susan Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, speaks during a meeting with U.N. Ambassadors in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Dec. 13, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama has lunch with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the Oval Office Private Dining Room, Dec. 20, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The White House released these photos of US Ambassador Susan Rice and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi both talking with  President Obama in December. When you bring women to the table, you are opening yourself to so much knowledge President Obama! Luvs it.

Susan Rice issues statement about Sudan's Voting Referendum

Yesterday, began the voting process in Southern Sudan, as citizens began to line up to vote for their independence. It has began with little violence and many around the world are hoping that it continues. Below is Ambassador's Rice Statement on the voting.

Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the start of voting in Southern Sudan:

Today begins the hard-earned, historic opportunity for the people of Southern Sudan to decide their future. For generations, Southern Sudanese have endured chaos, oppression, conflict, and extreme poverty. The decades-long war between the North and South cost the lives of more than 2 million people and left millions more displaced. This war ended in 2005 with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and the promise that the people of the South would be able to determine whether they wished to remain part of Sudan or become independent. That long-awaited day has finally come.

The United States and countries around the world are watching the referendum carefully, with the expectation and determination that it be conducted peacefully, freely and credibly and that its results will be respected by all concerned parties.

11 Women to Watch in 2011

At the beginning of the 2010 election cycle, many commentators and pundits believed that this was the year to run as a woman. We saw a record number of women run and a lot of excitement around their candidacy. Yet after the midterm elections were over and done, we saw the numbers for women in Congress not increase since 1987! Despite those odds, we are keeping our eyes on a couple of women who could do amazing things in 2011. Here are our 11 Women to Watch in 2011.

Terri Sewell - freshman Congresswoman out of Alabama, is the first African American woman to be elected from the state. With the same pedigree as the First Lady Michelle Obama, undergraduate degree from Princeton and law degree from Harvard University, she is definitely one to watch.

Kirsten Gillibrand - after lobbying successfully for the passage of the 9/11 Act and repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", this freshman senator solidified herself as a force to be reckoned with. And after winning her election by a landslide this past November, she proved that she deserved to walk in Hillary Clinton's footsteps.

Elizabeth Warren - recently featured on the Political Girl for her photo opt in Vogue, she was recently appointed by President Obama to as Assistant to the President and Special Advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury on the Consumer Financial Protection, she is charged with protecting the American people for another failure of the Wall Street banks.

Kamala Harris - the newly elected District Attorney of California is already making the media rounds with a profile in Politico and an upcoming spread in Harper's Bazaar, however she has made it clear that her first priority is keeping the residents of California safe.

Michelle Rhee - When she stormed into Washington, DC 3 years ago she had the city buzzing by firing hundreds of students and closing over 20 schools. With the defeat of DC Mayor Adrian Fenty in September, she decided to leave the post and recently announced on Oprah that she was starting Students First, an organization to support student reform around the country.

 


Find out who else made the list by clicking below!

Hillary Clinton and Susan Rice.....

I love these two women.

Power Women [Political Girls]



Photo Credit: Reuters

 Power Women: White House senior advisor Valerie Jarrett, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the United Nations General Assembly.

Woman on a Mission: Susan Rice

Photo Credits: Getty Images

U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice arrived in Sudan on Wednesday to support UN peacekeeping operations in Africa. This is Rice's second visit to Africa on behalf of the Obama administration.

Politicalgirls: Newsmakers 2009

Some made history and others reclaimed their places in the political limelight. One wrote a book and another championed women rights around the world. These are the Politicalgirls that were Newsmakers in 2009.

Michelle Obama -  She became the first African American First Lady and during her inaugural year advocated for military families and promoted healthier eating for school age children. Hillary Clinton -  Following her failed presidential run, the current Secretary of State threw  herself into her new position of restoring America's image abroad. Sarah Palin -  She shocked the political world this year when she resigned as governor of Alaska and released her New York Times bestseller, Going Rogue: An American Life. Nancy Pelosi - Became the first woman Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2007, and has led the House in passing some of President Obama biggest initiatives. Susan Rice - The first African American Ambassador to the United Nations, she has helped pass a resolution in the UN condemning sexual violence against women and has supported other initiatives aimed at assisting women worldwide. Sonia Sotomayor - The third woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court, she is also the first Hispanic to serve on the nation's highest court.  Olympia Snowe -  A moderate Republican from Maine, she is known for working with her Senate counterparts. While she did not lend her support to the Democrats on the recent Senate health care bill, earlier this year she was one of only 3 Republicans that supported the stimulus bill. Kathleen Sebelius -  While she hasn't been front and center on the health care debate the Health and Human Services Secretary, helped calm the public nerves about the H1N1 flu this year.