Wolfowitz selected to World Bank

Wednesday's Question:

The nomination shocked many among the bank's 10,000-member staff and in many capitals abroad, especially in Europe. When Wolfowitz's name surfaced a couple of weeks ago as a possible nominee, many diplomats and bank insiders dismissed his prospects as remote. Although the United States traditionally gets to choose the World Bank chief, there was speculation that a Wolfowitz candidacy could be torpedoed by the board of the bank, a 184-nation institution that has always operated by consensus.

Bush said at a news conference that he chose Wolfowitz, 61, because he is "committed to development" and is "a compassionate, decent man."

The president also said that as No. 2 at the Pentagon, Wolfowitz had demonstrated skill for managing a large institution.

Other administration officials cited Wolfowitz's experience as ambassador to Indonesia, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs and dean of the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University as evidence of his expertise and involvement in development issues.

In a written statement, Wolfowitz sought to dampen fears about his candidacy by stressing a desire to listen to a wide variety of views.

He also praised James D. Wolfensohn, the outgoing president, a Clinton administration appointee who has run the bank since 1995 but frequently clashed with the Bush team.

Wolfensohn "has deepened the Bank's commitment to poverty reduction, emphasizing such key factors in development as education, health -- particularly HIV/AIDS, women, youth, and the environment," Wolfowitz said.

If approved by the bank's board, Wolfowitz would assume command of an institution that lends about $20 billion a year to developing nations and often plays an enormously influential role in shaping their policies because of the conditions it sets for aid.

What a great and bold move by Bush. The right guy for the job....I imagine you leftist Euro's are beside yourselves with this selection. Great selection Mr Bush!!