When Libyan rebels found themselves in Muammar Qaddafi’s room, they discovered standard dictator collectibles — a gold chain, a gold scepter, a fancy hat — but they also ended up with a more offbeat keepsake. In the retreating Libyan leader’s Bab al-Aziziya compound was a photo album “filled with page after page of pictures of Condoleezza Rice.” The former U.S. Secretary of State was long a favorite of Qaddafi, who called her his “darling black African woman” and cooed “Leezza, Leezza, Leezza. … I love her very much.” The pair shared a dinner to break the Ramadan fast as late as 2008.
The bound book of Condi-worship features full-page glossy photos and smaller snapshots; pictures of confused-looking Libyan rebels flipping through it bring a unique sense of joy. But do you think John McCain is jealous?
