US first lady to make first solo Mideast trip

Michelle Obama to visit Qatar, Jordan next week as part of global initiative for girls; Israel not on itinerary

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE 28 October 2015, 9:28 pm
Britain's Prince Harry, first lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden tour the USO Warrior and Family Center at the Fort Belvoir military base, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015, at Fort Belvoir, Va. The event is being held in support of the Invictus Games Orlando 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Michelle Obama is making her first solo visit to the Middle East, stopping in Qatar and Jordan to promote her global education initiative for girls.

The White House says the trip is planned for next week. Israel is not on the itinerary.

Obama is scheduled to speak at a world education summit in Doha, Qatar. She’ll also visit the Al-Udeid Air Base in support of her separate initiative for US military families.

In Amman, Jordan, the first lady will tour a school that was built with US development funds and other support, and meet with students.

While in Jordan, she will also visit Petra, one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites.

Obama plans official meetings in both countries. She’ll travel without the president or other immediate family.

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