US first lady Mrs Laura Bush said today she was considering a trip to Afghanistan next year, after her husband's surprise Thanksgiving trip to Baghdad that she said left her "anxious" while he was gone.
"I hope I'll have a chance in the spring to go to Afghanistan," Mrs Bush told reporters as she began the Christmas season by accepting the official White House tree.
The possible trip was a sign Mrs Bush may play an increasing role in the Bush administration's effort to polish an international image tarnished by charges of arrogance in foreign policy.
Her spokesman, Mr Gordon Johndroe, said an Afghanistan trip had not yet been scheduled. He said Mrs Bush had had a particular interest in the country since a US-led invasion in 2001 overthrew Taliban rulers.
"Mrs Bush has been interested in the rights of women, not only in the entire world, but specifically in Afghanistan since the Taliban were learned to be so repressive to women," he said. "She wants to continue to take that message around the world."
Mrs Bush's international profile rose during a trip to Paris and Moscow in September.
On that trip she led the United States back into the main UN cultural body UNESCO after an 19-year absence. "She will continue to have an active role in spreading the message of the United States and what we stand for," Mr Johndroe said.