In short, Mr Powell's removal will mark a hard right turn for an administration not known for emollience.

ECONOMIST: The Bush reshuffle

He cannot count on a similar level of official emollience from the authorities of Israel or the West Bank.

ECONOMIST: The pope reaches Israel in his tour of the Middle East

And, for all the charm and emollience, he could produce sharp shards himself, such as the remark that listening to Margaret Atwood was like being driven back and forth through Winnipeg on a Sunday.

ECONOMIST: John Gross | The