Neo-Cons to the fore

Colin Powell won't be continuing his role as Secretary of State in the next term of Bush's administration. This can't be good. At a time that Bush is supposed to be making inroads into the Middle East peace process, he is letting go of probably the only American cabinet member who is well-respected throughout the world as a diplomat, a proponent for peace, and this despite him being an ex-general and Gulf War veteran. The State Department under him were moderates compared to Rumsfeld's and Rice's departments and the fact that Rice is favourite to take over Powell's post and her deputy, Stephen Hadley, might be made National Security Adviser will just consolidate Bush's grip on the cabinet that hitherto had voices of reason amongst its members. Gone will be the days when the State Department argued with the Pentagon. Add the recent resignation of CIA's top directors, and we'll probably be looking at the neo-conservatives tightening their grip on the American government. 'Hooray!'