... And Powelling around. (Off The News).

Meanwhile, the European diplomatic community took considerable notice of the arrival of President Bush during his late May swing through Europe and Russia. In Germany, the Texan bounded out of Air Force One and proceeded to the official receiving line. But almost velcroed to the president's side, according to surprised diplomats, was none other than Secretary of State Colin Powell. "Walking this way side-by-side with the President is highly unusual," said a well-known international player heavily involved in German foreign affairs. "It's virtually unheard of."

Since this episode, the European rumor mill has produced at least two theories to explain such joined-at-the-hip behavior: Either Powell is desperate for some symbol of influence and thus took the initiative to force his way to Bush's side, or the president simply wanted to shore up his secretary of state with the media--and perhaps stave off a resignation. For months, White House insiders have privately expressed frustration with Powell, who is reputedly a dove amid a nest of hawks.