A Contrarian Confidant Leaves State Department

from National Public Radio

At the end of the month, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will be losing one of her closest advisors, Philip Zelikow, who is leaving his job as counselor of the State Department to return to academia.

Known for taking stances contrary to policy on issues ranging from North Korea to the treatment of detainees, Zelikow was executive director of the 9/11 commission.

In his resignation letter, Zelikow said, "my longstanding debt to my family has come due, along with some truly riveting obligations to college bursars."

When he leaves his job as counselor at the State Department at the end of the month, Zelikow will return to teaching at the University of Virginia. Melissa Block talks with Zelikow.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, December 4, 2006