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TZIPI LIVNI's narrow victory in Israel's Kadima party's leadership election, together with her immediate need to form a governing coalition, will make it difficult for her to give peace talks with the Palestinians and the Syrians the urgency they deserve.

Substantial progress has been made on both fronts in recent months under outgoing Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert, despite his growing weakness in a corruption scandal. Ms Livni has proved an adept negotiator with the Palestinians, but it is hard to see how she can bring the process further before she secures her position as prime minister, despite international pressure. Israel's fractious political system makes both objectives hazardous.