The Peter Principle: In a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence.
Bush Names Confidante Rice as Secretary of State by Steve Holland
President Bush on Tuesday reached into his inner circle and nominated a trusted confidante, national security adviser Condoleezza Rice, to replace Colin Powell as secretary of state in Bush's second term.
In a White House ceremony, Bush also said he would promote deputy national security adviser Stephen Hadley to succeed Rice as national security adviser.
Rice, 50, who was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and once harbored hopes of becoming a concert pianist, would become the first black woman to be secretary of state. She appeared likely to gain easy Senate confirmation.
Her appointment raised some concerns in Washington -- dismissed by the White House -- that Bush was installing a loyalist who would be reluctant to offer dissenting views to the president. [more]
Europe Recalls Low Points in Rice's Past Associated Press
In Europe, it's hard for some to think of Condoleezza Rice -- Colin Powell's expected replacement as U.S. secretary of state -- without recalling the low points in trans-Atlantic relations that grew out of the war in Iraq.
After all, it was Rice who raised eyebrows last year with her Machiavellian suggestions for how Washington should treat European opponents of the U.S.-led invasion.
"Punish France, ignore Germany and forgive Russia," Rice was widely quoted as telling associates in the spring of 2003.
Trans-Atlantic ties have since improved to some extent. But Rice's reputation still precedes her. [more]
Rice Under Oath
Watch Condi obfuscate and lie--Rice 9/11 Commission Testimony
