President Bush is sending his better half, first lady Laura Bush to Afghanistan today to promote democracy in the region. The trip was kept a secret until just before Mrs. Bush left today from Andrews Air Force Base.

'I have been so looking forward to going to Afghanistan,' Mrs. Bush announced to reporters just before boarding the plane. 'When I really realized the plight of the women under the Taliban, I also found that American women really stand in solidarity with the women in Afghanistan.'

'I'm delighted to be able to bring that message to Afghanistan,' Mrs. Bush added. 'This has been in the planning for quite some time. I didn't tell anyone.'

Mrs. Bush is scheduled to arrive in Kabul Wednesday afternoon and to spend approximately five hours in Afghanistan. She is expected to meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and to dine with American troops at a base just north of the capital city of Kabul.

The first lady will explore and discuss the new opportunities for women in Afghanistan now that the fundamentalist Taliban are no longer in power.

Security around Mrs. Bush will be extremely tight. In fact, the trip would have taken place sooner had adequate security been available.

Susan Whitson, Mrs. Bush's press secretary told reporters the purpose of the first lady's trip. 'She wants to be able to see the advances made for women in Afghanistan and to underscore the United States' long-term commitment to the people of Afghanistan,' Ms. Whitson said.