Condoleezza Rice Photo Stash Found in Gaddafi Compound
Resistance fighters in Libya have revealed a shocking yet amusing discovery: an album stock full of photos of former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, or "Leezza," in the compound of Muammar Gaddafi.
The photo album was retrieved from Gaddafi's hideout in Bab Al-Aziziya in Tripoli, Libya, on Wednesday. It was no secret that the Libyan colonel had a strong admiration for Rice, who stepped down from her Bush administration post in 2009.
“Leezza, Leezza, Leezza … I love her very much,” Gaddafi told Al Jazeera in 2007.
"I support my darling black African woman," he told the news agency. "I admire and am very proud of the way she leans back and gives orders to the Arab leaders ... Leezza, Leezza, Leezza. ... I love her very much. I admire her and I'm proud of her because she's a black woman of African origin."
When Rice made an official visit to Libya in 2008, Gaddafi was said to have given the diplomat several gifts, among which were a diamond ring, a lute, and a locket engraved with the dictator's image.
In return, Rice gave Gaddafi a plate with the seal of the United States, inscribed with her signature.
Gaddafi, believed to be in hiding in Tripoli, has been the target of rebels in Libya seeking to throw off his more than 40 years of dictatorship.
Rebels gained control of Gaddafi's compound on Tuesday and have been having a field day since. Resistance fighters have reportedly stolen the dictator's gold-plated gun and his golf cart, among other things.
When informed of Gaddafi's curious photo collection Thursday, State Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters, “It doesn't surprise me. It's deeply bizarre and deeply creepy, though, if it is as you described.”
Nuland had not seen the 72-year-old leader's photo collection.
Rice had yet to offer any kind of public response to the catalogue.
