[GretchenM]

With Iraq Vice President Tariq Al-Hashimi

[GretchenM]

With Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer

Alexander Downer (C) speaks as Rice, and Australia's Defense Minister Brendan Nelson, listen

[GretchenM]

I really wish they'd move that portrait to a back hallway somewhere. It creeps me out every time I see it -- like the subject is going to come up behind the people at State and do something unexpected. I suppose the artist was trying to make the guy look amiable and relaxed but the way he's blocking the "exit" it doesn't work for me.