He is known to speak his mind with a bluntness not common in diplomatic circles.

NPR: Bush Nominations Contradict 'Charm Offensive'

Some people in German diplomatic circles say that relations with France are at their worst in peacetime memory.

ECONOMIST: Germany and its chancellor grow ever stronger | The

Although vehemently rejected by Kosovo Albanians, the idea that this bit might be hived off into Serbia is being discreetly floated in diplomatic circles.

ECONOMIST: Kosovo's Serbs

The adjective "sole" has become a key measurement in diplomatic circles where U.S. nuclear forces have long been seen as an impediment to stopping nuclear proliferation.

WSJ: U.S. Keeps First-Strike Nuclear Strategy

In the past week, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Abdullah, has received kudos in Washington, Arab capitals and diplomatic circles around the world for what is characterized as a "new peace initiative" to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The Saudi Charm Offensive