From one of the worlds most admired women this is former National Security Advisor and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rices compelling story of eight years serving at the highest levels of government. In her position as Americas chief diplomat Rice traveled almost continuously around the globe seeking common ground among sometimes bitter enemies forging agreement on divisive issues and compiling a remarkable record of achievement. A native of Birmingham Alabama who overcame the racism of the Civil Rights era to become a brilliant academic and expert on foreign affairs Rice distinguished herself as an advisor to George W. Bush during the 2000 presidential campaign. Once Bush was elected she served as his chief adviser on nationalsecurity issues a job whose duties included harmonizing the relationship between the Secretaries of State and Defense. It was a role that deepened her bond with the President and ultimately made her one of his closest confidantes. With the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks Rice found herself at the center of the Administrations intense efforts to keep America safe. Here Rice describes the events of that harrowing day and the tumultuous days after. No day was ever the same. Additionally Rice also reveals new details of the debates that led to the war in Afghanistan and then Iraq. The eyes of the nation were once again focused on Rice in 2004 when she appeared before the 911 Commission to answer tough questions regarding the countrys preparedness for and immediate response to the 911 attacks. Her responses it was generally conceded would shape the nations perception of the Administrations competence during the crisis. Rice conveys just how pressurefilled that appearance was and her surprised gratitude when in succeeding days she was broadly saluted for her grace and forthrightness. From that point forward Rice was aggressively sought after by the media and regarded by some as the Administrations most effective champion. In 2005 Rice was e