Republicans highlight polls that suggest that clear majorities support lifting the ban on offshore drilling.

CNN: Analysis: Will voters punish Congress for coming up empty?

There is growing bipartisan support for lifting them altogether.

ECONOMIST: George Bush inspires high hopes, and a few fears

The EU's foreign-policy chief, Cathy Ashton, is being showered with ideas: Germany says EU support (including lifting barriers to agricultural trade) should be linked to democratic reforms.

ECONOMIST: Charlemagne

It remains to be seen whether Russia will also now temper its support in the Security Council for lifting sanctions on Iraq.

ECONOMIST: First, build the coalition. Then, think what to do

Mrs Tanaka landed the foreign ministry because her support for Mr Koizumi was crucial in lifting him to power in April.

ECONOMIST: Ructions in Junichiro Koizumi's cabinet