Arabs lavish jewels on US Secretary of State Rice (Saudis Generous with "Condi Candy")

Jerusalem Post/AP ^ | 12/22/2008 | Unattributed

[mojito]

US President George W. Bush's foreign policies may be unpopular in the Middle East, but Arab leaders showered his top diplomat with jewelry worth far more than a quarter of a million dollars last year.

While Bush himself didn't fare nearly as well, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice raked in at least $316,000 in gem-encrusted baubles from the kings of Jordan and Saudi Arabia alone, making her one of top recipients among US officials of gifts from foreign heads of state and government and their aides in 2007.

In January, Jordan's King Abdullah II gave Rice an emerald and diamond necklace, ring, bracelet and earrings estimated to be worth $147,000....

The king and his wife, Queen Rania, also gave Rice a less expensive necklace and earrings along with a jewelry box valued at $4,630, the document shows.

Not to be outdone, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia presented Rice with a ruby and diamond necklace with matching earrings, bracelet and ring worth $165,000 in July. The inventory also includes a $170,000 flower petal motif necklace the Saudi monarch gave to Rice in 2005, which the department says was not previously disclosed.

From the same Arab leaders, Bush received just over $100,000 in gifts in 2007, the list shows.

Other gifts include an $85,000 sapphire and diamond jewelry set and $10,000 piece of artwork depicting a desert scene of bedouins, camels and a tent made of gold given to first lady Laura Bush by Saudi King Abdullah.

Unfortunately for the Bushes, Rice and other recipients, they won't be able to enjoy the gifts as they have been turned over to the General Services Administration and government archives in accordance with federal law, which bars officials from accepting personal presents in almost all circumstances.

[GVnana]

Any photos? I’d love to see those trinkets!

[Constitutions Grandchild]

If I'm not mistaken, some wind up in the Smithsonian, depending upon their artistic value and the clarity of the gems (more like the “Crown” Jewels). I think it would be a breathtaking exhibit, together with inaugural gowns, etc. I wish the story had come with pictures. The ruby necklace and earrings sound lovely. A little bling still sparks interest (although I'd never invest in gems again). ;-)

[ZULU]

The “Recognition of the Palestinian State Award”

The Obamamessiah will probably get a live full sized riding elephant with jeweled harness and saddle and his own mahout.

[rmlew]

Bad form and breech of standard operating proceedure. Such bribery of State Department officials is supposed to happen quietly after the retire.

[SENTINEL]

I remember when the King of Saudi Arabia tried to give each service member $10,000. I remember I went to war for $254 every two weeks. I remember being told that we were "ambassadors" of the US, and that we would not be allowed to accept the gift by bush 41.

Imagine the impact that would have had on the auto industry in the US.

Elitism is alive and well in the US.

[swarthyguy]

Have you managed to catch a Saudi film aired during local channels paid programming slots on weekends, highlighting the modern aspects of the Kingdom? Nicely done, good production values, professional, intelligent narration, nice pictures too.

Saw it last weekend, may be in rotation.

Did clash with the football game so I didn’t catch the whole thing.

[Bokababe]

There used to be a word for someone who took treasure from foreign leaders in exchange for “past or future considerations” that may or may not be to the benefit of their home country.

Whore?

[plenipotentiary]

The Saudis know, as do others, that US Politicians from both right and left can, and have been bought.

[piytar]

See lots of comments about Ms. Rice being “bought” or a “whore” for accepting these gifts. Sheesh, don’t you freepers even read the posted excerpt? From that:

“Unfortunately for the Bushes, Rice and other recipients, they won’t be able to enjoy the gifts as they have been turned over to the General Services Administration and government archives in accordance with federal law, which bars officials from accepting personal presents in almost all circumstances.”

In other words, SHE DOESN’T GET TO KEEP THEM.

Sheesh.

[Dixie Yooper]

She has to turn all gifts over to the government. Maybe we can see them at the Smithsonian someday.

[dennisw]

Never saw that film but Saudi propaganda for infidels is high class. Ever see the old ARAMCO magazine? What a glossy, *Kingdom pimping* production that was. And still is last I looked

[Niuhuru]

Are you sure? I remember Jackie Kennedy keeping several gifts that were given to her when she was First Lady.

[IbJensen]

Tell me how the American 'sucker' can gain from this?

Can we split up the jewels into something that would reduce the gluttonous taxes that MOST of us pay?

Get real, or get in line!

You'll be bothered someday, TCC. Believe me.

[mysterio]

Energy independence now.

[Masti]

It makes her totally untrustworthy!

[Masti]

My last comment was with sarcasm ON, of course.

[bamahead]

Unfortunately for the Bushes, Rice and other recipients, they won't be able to enjoy the gifts as they have been turned over to the General Services Administration and government archives in accordance with federal law, which bars officials from accepting personal presents in almost all circumstances.

Then how's about the Gov't put these on the block at Sotheby's and recoup some of the bailout bonanza money. Oh yeah, that'd make too much sense, and worse, it'd insult the Saudi's...good heavens!

[VideoDoctor]

I saw this story on FOX and the female reporter was explaining that Rice by law could not accept the gifts. The reporter, however, DID NOT say WHAT would happen to the $300,000 dollars worth of "free stuff"

WHAT DOES BECOME of this BLING? Someone must benefit from it.

[1rudeboy]

You don’t need to read the article in order to react to it.

[piytar]

Yes, I’m sure. Don’t know when the current process was put into place, but it might have been after Jackie 0’s time.