Wolfowitz Out at the World Bank

By Scott Horton

Paul Wolfowitz’s departure from the World Bank was like a shakedown by a panhandler: “Pay me five dollars, and I’ll leave you alone.” It had a proliferation of four-letter words, acts of intimidation, demands for money, and the profound stench of a man who had gone several months without a shower. And when Wolfowitz’s departure was announced, Reuters reports, jubilation:

Bank staff were jubilant to see an end to a crisis that had engulfed the institution, which spends around $25 billion a year to fight poverty in poor countries.

“Everyone ran into the hallways and were clapping and hugging each other,” said one employee who declined to be named.

And now the ball is back in Bush’s court. Who will he appoint to succeed Wolfowitz? Perhaps Rumsfeld?