Of course Condi is coming to Israel with no plan. All knowing eyes are now turning to John Negroponte who, after his confirmation, will become the de facto Secretary of State. Condi, on the other hand, will probably make a stop at Mahli Mall to do some serious negotiating with the merchants there.
The wisdom coming from the beltway has it that Bush could not outright fire her - he still likes her presence at cabinet meetings even though she is now viewed as a bantomweight - and was counseled that a Negroponte confirmation as #1 at State would be an iffy proposition, although the #2 slot would be a certainty.
By making Negroponte the #2 at State, Bush accomplishes two things. He saves face, keeping Condi on board, and he gets someone who has both gravitas and substantial Middle East expertise.
Good shopping, Condi! |
|
