The speculation around who will replace Mr. Powell, widely perceived as the lone 'dove' in the Bush Cabinet, has now begun in earnest.

The current rumour is that Mr. Bush prefers his National Security Advisor, Condoleezza Rice, for the post. Ms. Rice is perceived as a 'hawk' by the international community and may not be well received.

As he forms his new Cabinet in the weeks to come, Mr. Bush will have to be sensitive to the impression he and his current executive have cultivated over his first term. If Middle East peace is truly an objective for his government over the next four years he will need the support and good will of allies he has alienated with the war in Iraq.

A moderate at the head of the State Department would be a better choice than Ms. Rice.