Challenges Faced by Susan Rice: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Susan Rice. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Susan Rice is an American diplomat and public official. A member of the Democratic Party, she has held several high-profile positions, including Director of the United States Domestic Policy Council (2021-2023), U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (2009-2013), and U.S. National Security Advisor (2013-2017).

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1994: Rwandan Genocide

In 1994, during the Rwandan genocide, Rice was involved in discussions regarding the U.S. response. She later reflected on the Clinton administration's inaction and its impact on her views on military interventions.

December 2002: NPR Interview on Iraq

In a December 2002 NPR interview, Susan Rice stated that Iraq posed a major threat and its weapons of mass destruction needed to be dealt with forcefully.

2003: Opposition to Iraq War

In 2003, colleagues stated that Susan Rice opposed the invasion of Iraq.

April 2011: Criticism of Gaddafi's Denials

In April 2011, amid the Libyan Civil War, Susan Rice criticized Muammar Gaddafi's denials of atrocities as "frankly, delusional" during a closed-door Security Council meeting. She also reported that Gaddafi loyalists were engaging in atrocities.

January 2012: Condemnation of Russia and China

In January 2012, after Russia and China vetoed a Security Council resolution regarding Syria, Susan Rice strongly condemned both countries for obstructing efforts to peacefully resolve the conflict.

September 11, 2012: Benghazi Attack

On September 11, 2012, a U.S. diplomatic facility in Benghazi was attacked. In the aftermath, on September 16, Rice appeared on interview shows to discuss the attacks using provided talking points.

November 2012: Republican Criticism of Rice's Statements

In November 2012, House Republicans criticized Susan Rice's statements regarding the Benghazi attack, suggesting she should not be considered for Secretary of State.

December 13, 2012: Withdrawal from Secretary of State Consideration

On December 13, 2012, Susan Rice withdrew her name from consideration for Secretary of State due to controversy surrounding statements made about the Benghazi attack.

2012: Criticism of Negotiating Style

In 2012, Security Council diplomats criticized Susan Rice's negotiating style. Some human rights activists criticized her and U.S. foreign policy for working against UN statements criticizing Rwanda.

2012: Review of Positions on War

In 2012, columnist Peter Beinart reviewed a series of NPR interviews with Rice from late 2002 and early 2003 and concluded that Rice's position on war was equivocal.

2012: Statements on Rwanda

In 2012, during an interview with The New Republic, Rice addressed the Rwandan genocide and denied that it haunted her or drove every policy decision she had made subsequently.

August 2013: Condemnation of Rabaa Massacre

In August 2013, Susan Rice condemned the Rabaa massacre in Egypt, where Egyptian security forces killed over 1,000 people during anti-government protests.

August 2013: Opposition to Congressional Authorization for Military Strikes Against Syria

In August 2013, Susan Rice was the lone dissenter in Obama's national security team, arguing against seeking congressional authorization for military strikes against Syria following the Assad regime's use of sarin gas.

2013: Continuation of U.S. Support for Kiir Administration

In 2013, when the South Sudanese Civil War broke out, the U.S., under Susan Rice's influence, continued its support for President Kiir's administration despite reports of government atrocities.

2015: Criticism of Netanyahu's Speech to Congress

In 2015, Susan Rice criticized Benjamin Netanyahu for agreeing to speak to Congress about Iran's nuclear program without coordinating with the Obama administration.

2015: Visit to Pakistan and Warning on Militant Attacks

In 2015, Susan Rice visited Pakistan and warned Pakistani leaders about the threat to regional security posed by militants based in Pakistan conducting attacks in Afghanistan.

2015: Remarks on Chinese Intelligence Operations

In a 2015 speech, Susan Rice addressed the problems of Chinese intelligence operations in the United States, describing it as an economic and national security concern.

2016: Call for Arms Embargo Against South Sudan

In 2016, Susan Rice joined calls for an arms embargo against South Sudan, but the measure failed to win passage at the UN Security Council.

April 3, 2017: Report on Unmasking of Americans in Intelligence Reports

On April 3, 2017, it was reported that Susan Rice, as National Security Advisor, had requested the unmasking of some Americans mentioned in intelligence reports related to Donald Trump's campaign and transition.

2017: Renewed Chemical Attacks in Syria

In 2017, the Assad regime obtained or produced additional sarin gas for renewed chemical attacks, despite previous efforts to remove chemical weapons.

April 2019: Rice Decides Against Senate Run

In April 2019, Susan Rice announced she would not run for Senate in 2020, after considering challenging Susan Collins.

May 2020: Appointment of John Bash to Examine Unmasking

In May 2020, Attorney General Bill Barr appointed federal prosecutor John Bash to examine unmasking conducted by the Obama administration, including the actions of Susan Rice.