Other nations' opinion of Wolfowicz should be a wake-up call for

[Ilsa]

the Bush* Administration. They can't stand him, and I don't think it is because of Wolfie going after fraud or whatever at the World Bank. And I don't think the Europeans are as torn up about him helping out his girlfriend.

They see him as part of what has created an evil catastrophe in the Middle East for personal gain, and while they suspect Bushco will get away with it, they want to take down Wolfowicz as they see a chance. I think they are really saying, "Go F@#k yourself, W., and the Vice president you rode in on. And we're keeping an eye on any other Bushies we can humiliate or imprison."

[EST]

1. What you say makes sense.

However, without an active insider to funnel out information and confirm or deny suspicions, it would be difficult to make any informed assumptions.
The impression I get is that pressure, a degree of ruthlessness, tasteful double dealing and all the usual Ebeneezer Scrooge attributes that we associate with lenders and power brokers are perfectly normal at the WB, as well.

I suspect being a "buddy" to the US is of zero value in regard to other nations and the high handed management prerogatives that used to be business as usual carry a particularly abrasive itch at present. The US could be depended on in times past to provide a high percentage of the working funds needed. Now, however, with the retrenchment by the US and willingness of other powers to provide a greater contribution, there is little need to continue kissing American ass.

Perhaps his mother liked him and his neocon butt buddies seem to, but I find him disgusting in the extreme and I think most normal, self respecting but not pavlovian oedipal people also would not look forward to having him as a dinner guest.

[Zorro]

2. It is difficult to fight corruption at the World Bank

If you're also engaging in corrupt activities that get exposed to the world.