Bush Backs Off Wolfowitz Support

The Bush administration shifted its attitude on President of the World Bank Paul Wolfowitz yesterday. Wolfowitz has been embroiled in a scandal regarding his long time girlfriend Shaha Riza. Apparently, Paul set her up for a series of promotions and pay-raises without informing the banks legal advisor. The bank’s executive board investigated the claims and issued a report stating that Wolfowitz broke ethics rules and endangered the reputation of the bank.

Until this point, The White House had fully supported Wolfowitz, this change in position is indicative of the precarious position the World Bank’s President is in. Wolfowitz has repeatedly said he will not resign and has made efforts to convince the bank’s executive board that he can remain at the helm of the institution. However the White House was among the last of Wolfowitz’s remaining allies. Since the White House has dropped support to keep him as president, The World Bank has no serious obstacles to get rid of him.

The only remaining question is exactly how he will be replaced. I for one, don’t care, a Neo-Con out of a position of international power is good enough for me.