Less experienced figure to take on Mid-East challenge

US/MIDDLE EAST: After so many failures, President Bush's aim of achieving the elusive two-state solution laid out in the Middle…

US/MIDDLE EAST: After so many failures, President Bush's aim of achieving the elusive two-state solution laid out in the Middle East "road map" within four years looks like 'mission impossible', writes Simon Tisdall.

A key question is who will play the part of "Tom Cruise" in the second Bush term.

Colin Powell's resignation yesterday as secretary of state means a relatively less experienced figure is likely to take on this challenging and frequently unrewarding role - at a critical moment for the region.

A long line of America's top diplomats, including James Baker, George Shultz and Warren Christopher, have trodden the tortuous paths of Middle East negotiations. They usually came away disappointed.

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The next secretary of state may also face obstacles closer to home. Neo-conservatives in the National Security Council and Pentagon who unstintingly back Israel's prime minister, Ariel Sharon, often undermined the moderate Mr Powell during the first term. They will feel strengthened now and can be expected to push for a likeminded replacement.

Mr Powell's departure, although not immediate, may hinder attempts to inject momentum into the peace process. But, for now at least, his planned talks with Palestinian leaders in the West Bank and at the Iraq conference in Egypt next week are going ahead.

It is already plain that the US favours the moderate former prime minister, Mahmoud Abbas, as the next Palestinian president. This appears to be Israel's preference, too. Both want to strengthen his hand against hardline groups such as Hamas and the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, whose adherents disrupted Mr Abbas's visit to Gaza on Sunday, and which remain committed to armed struggle.

Perhaps the biggest problem is Washington's short-term focus. It is fixated by the elections and the Gaza withdrawal. Despite Tony Blair's best efforts, it remains uncertain how far, and how quickly, Mr Bush is prepared to go on core issues such as Israeli settlements in the West Bank, let alone on final status talks.

In his carefully hedged White House statement, Mr Bush put almost all the onus on the Palestinians. The President did not call on Israel to give ground or change policies. And he offered no guarantees. While Mr Bush may see this as a bold vision for just and lasting peace, many will think it shortsighted.

The next secretary of state's "mission impossible" could be just that.