Condoleezza Rice’s five-day visit to Europe, which began in Germany yesterday, has attracted considerable attention. First, and most obviously, she has had to reply to European concerns about the rendition of terrorist suspects to secret detention centres. Secondly, she has arrived when a number of European countries, in particular Germany, Romania and Ukraine, are making serious efforts to improve relations with Washington. And thirdly, her visit marks a year since she was named Secretary of State, and underlines the confidence, poise and authority which she brings to an office that, since January, she has enhanced greatly.

There is a growing realisation around the world that, in Dr Rice, George W. Bush has found a powerful Secretary of State — an achievement in Washington, where rivalry between the State Department, the National Security Council and the Pentagon too often spills over into debilitating turf wars. She benefits from having been previously underestimated. She never sought, as National Security Adviser, to interpolate herself in military or diplomatic decision-making. But her shrewd analysis meant that she, unlike General Colin Powell, always had the ear and the confidence of Mr Bush. This she still enjoys. It is perhaps one reason why she was so effective in breaking the deadlock between the Israelis and the Palestinians over the Gaza crossing point with Egypt.

As a result, the US Government now talks more obviously with one voice. This is especially important on Iraq. Strains within America are growing and disunity could be disastrous. Dr Rice articulates strategy and projects authority that are essential if Washington is to make the most of the likely chances over the coming months to bring stability to Iraq.

She will be helped by the eagerness of some in Europe to play a greater role in supporting Washington. Romania has already offered a military base that could prove critical in hosting the rotation of up to 2,400 US troops and in providing the logistics for the projection of power in the Middle East. In Ukraine, Dr Rice will find a government determined to bolster its new Western orientation with demonstrable support for US policies. But most importantly, Germany, a vital Nato ally, has made clear that it is to turn its back on the spoiler role cultivated by the former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and, under Angela Merkel, will revive its once close transatlantic relations.

Frau Merkel underlined this point yesterday, despite unease within her coalition over the rumours over rendition. Dr Rice answered these firmly, insisting that the US did not condone torture. The demands of the War on Terror do require new methods. There is, nevertheless, a need for more transparency. And where an innocent person has been picked up, as in the case of Khaled el-Masri, the CIA should react promptly in admitting the error. How best to deal with terrorists is still a point of debate, even within governments close to Washington. With Dr Rice, at least they know who is their partner in the dialogue.