Condi played the game better than anyone else--so much so thatshe has now dispensed with pretty much everyone who underestimated her.

The Bush administration’s decision to negotiate with the clerics on nuclear energy has weakened the U.S. position and has sent mixed messages to Iranian dissidents who look to the United States for support.

The mullahs don't blink--they glare.

So it was for the new U.S. secretary of state on her first voyage abroad, a trip rich in symbolism and style - but one some analysts warn did not sufficiently deal with the substance that could again tear the foundation of U.S-European relations asunder.

Once Condoleeza Rice testifies and the furor over9/11 dies down,Congress should havea real discussion over where executive privilege begins and ends, and where it should.

The multilateral coalition confronting Iran is both successful and a failure.

Washington is a wonder on Iran.

Emboldened by his reelection, President George W. Bush will turn up the heat on North Korea.