INTERNATIONAL CLOUT

Some ambassadors arrive with power, the big boys - Britain's SIR DAVID MANNING, France's JEAN-DAVID LEVITTE, Germany's KARL SCHARIOTH, Russia's YURI USHAKOV. They represent countries with long, important relationships with the Untied States. Other envoys get instant White House attention because they represent political hot spots - Israel, Korea, Afghanistan and Iraq. And, there's preferential treatment for the 21 Iraqi Coalition nations. Here is our baker's dozen of just some of Washington's power diplomats:

ZHOU WENHONG China	Envoy of 1.3 Billion people in Asia's largest country, will have the biggest embassy in Washington next year and everyone answers his calls. Beijing Olympics in 2008 bring even greater public visibility.
CAROLINA BARCO Colombia	With the highest profi le of any South American ambassador, Barco was born into power (her father was president), but she achieved top position of foreign minister on her own. A natural diplomat with a designer wardrobe.
NABIL FAHMY Egypt	Chosen as "2007 Ambassador of the Year" by National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce, a real pro who makes it look easy. Wife Nermin leads Mosaic Foundation.
JOHN BRUTON EU Commission Ambassador	Former Irish Prime Minister who helped transform Ireland into the "Celtic Tiger." Knows how to use power.
RONEN SEN India	Represents a new favored player of America. A grand statesman who knows how to take the stage with quiet grace.
SALLAI MERIDOR Israel	As every Israeli ambassador before him, has instant access to the White House.
RYOZO KATO Japan	A specialist in commercial diplomacy, which comes in handy for important U.S. / Japan trade issues.
SALEM AL-SABAH Kuwait	Al-Sabah and his wife Rima have more powerful friends than any other diplomatic couple. Their guest list is always top tier.
KNUT VOLLEBAEK Norway	A former foreign minister - knows how and when to play his cards. Dean of the Scandinavian ambassadors. Highly effective and effi cient.
HUNAINA SULTAN AHMED Al Mughairy Oman	Highly respected among her male and female colleagues, knows how to get things done. So does her husband, Oman's U.N. Representative Fuad Al-Hinai.
MAHMUD ALI DURRANI Pakistan	A retired general (President's military sec.) and author who understands policy (Governing Council, London's International Institute of Strategic Studies), has improved border problems with India, Afghanistan. New friend of U.S.
INONGE MBIKUSITA-LEWANIKA Zambia	Heroine of all African women, leader in African Union too. Motto: One child can be a "Mandela."