Paul Wolfowitz
As Nick Cohen noted, there is no quicker way of silencing a London literary dinner party than telling a story about Paul Wolfowitz. Unlike Nick's story, however, the one in which Wolfowitz became the boss of his girlfriend at the World Bank and then got her repeated pay rises is true.I think I was vaguely in favour of Wolfowitz's World Bank appointment, on the grounds at least it meant the Bush Administration would take it seriously. It has not, however, been particularly distinguished, and I can't see any reason he has for staying in the position. First, this matter concerns him directly - it is not as if he is being asked to take responsibility for the organisation's failings. Second, his defence seems incredible. He correctly noted the relationship to the board, and so her supervision was moved away from him. But then he interfered directly, in her pay - anyone, without knowledge of any rules, would see that was improper. Finally, the World Bank needs to be tough on corruption, and it is hard to do that when you are compromised in this way at the top.
Labels: Decent Left, economics
posted by Matthew @ 4/13/2007 09:03:00 AM
Comments: 4
