Bush Picks Wolfowitz to Lead World Bank
WASHINGTON — President Bush nominated Deputy Defense Secretary Paul D. Wolfowitz, a leading administration neoconservative, as the new president of the World Bank on Wednesday, the second time this month Bush had moved to attempt to reshape an international institution.
Coming more than a week after he nominated State Department official John R. Bolton as U.N. ambassador, the choice of Wolfowitz was widely seen as part of a broader effort by Bush to bring key multinational institutions more in line with U.S. foreign policy goals.
Wolfowitz would replace James D. Wolfensohn, an Australian-born investment banker who is to step down June 1 after a pair of five-year terms. Wolfensohn, who was chosen by former President Clinton, could have served a third term, but the administration turned to Wolfowitz instead.
In announcing Wolfowitz as his choice at a White House news conference, Bush described him as a "skilled diplomat" and a "compassionate and decent man" who would be a "strong president" of the 184-country development institution.
Although the nomination drew praise in some foreign capitals and probably would be approved by the World Bank's 24-member board, it also promised to be controversial.
Wolfowitz remains a lightning rod, especially in Europe, because of his early advocacy of the invasion of Iraq. Some foreign diplomats in Washington said they were concerned at the choice of the hawkish Wolfowitz right after the selection of the staunchly conservative Bolton, a longtime U.N. critic.
Wolfowitz said Wednesday that he believed deeply in the mission of the World Bank. But he also said he applauded moves in recent years by the outgoing Wolfensohn to step up the World Bank's emphasis on accountability and reform of foreign governments "as critical elements of the economic development agenda."
The Bush appointees' views on both institutions appeal to neoconservatives. Neoconservatives believe the World Bank, as well as development aid in general, should be more closely keyed to governance reform and promotion of democracy, not just targeted to alleviate poverty while leaving authoritarian regimes in place.
Although Bush administration officials have not criticized the World Bank as strongly as Bolton has attacked the United Nations, the Bush administration has made clear its desire for a change in direction.
